NORTHUMBERLAND has secured a major equestrian event which is poised to bring millions of pounds into the local economy next spring.

Burgham Park, near Morpeth, has scored a massive coup in winning one of the last events for advanced riders aiming to pick up points to qualify for the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials, which attracts the top names in the three-day eventing world.

The inaugural Burgham horse festival, held last summer, was hit by controversy after Blyth Valley Labour MP Ronnie Campbell branded it a weekend out for toffs.

Organisers at Burgham, which will now stage its first competition affiliated to the sport’s governing body British Eventing next month, were ecstatic to win the competition for the county.

Because 2012 is Olympic year, Burgham is expected to pull in some of the best international riders, who will be heading to the UK to prepare for the Games.

Burgham Horse Trials director Sunil Mehra said: “We are delighted to have secured not only an advanced event for the region but also one of the last events before the Badminton Horse Trials, which is sure to draw some of the top names in the sport to the North East in an Olympic year.

“We believe this decision demonstrates great faith in our team and recognition of its ability and commitment to make the Burgham Horse Trials the biggest equestrian event in the region.”