The North East’s first large sporting event since restrictions have been lifted has been hailed ‘a huge success’ by its organisers.

The Belsay International Horse Trials took place last weekend and were able to host young competitors whose trip to Sweden as part of the British Pony Championships were dashed due to Covid.

Against the backdrop of Belsay Hall, a range of events took place including Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping.

Laura de Wesselow, organiser of the Belsay International Horse Trials, said: “It has been a gargantuan effort to put this event on in the face of Covid.”

“The British Pony Championships were meant to be the major trials for selection into the GB team but British Eventing announced that due to Covid they were no longer able to take teams to Sweden. This was a major blow to many young competitors so we tried to make Belsay extra special to make up for the disappointment.”