A FAMILY that has taken part in equestrian events in the region's summer shows for generations have had their hopes of success this year dashed by arsonists.

The fire wrecked a warehouse and badly damaged a valuable hand-built wooden horse box, which had been used by three generations of the same family.

Owner Graeme Brown, who lives near West Cornforth, faces a £42,000 bill to replace the building and mahogany carriage because they were not insured.

Mr Brown says it is unlikely he will replace the vehicle in time to compete at the Great Yorkshire Show in July and may not make Stanhope and Wolsingham Shows in September.

He said: "My family has kept show horses for a lot of years, but this year I don't think we'll be able to take part in the show season.

"The building is a mess and will cost about £20,000 to replace, and the carriage will be about £22,000 to rebuild."

Mr Brown said the arson attack has not only caused inconvenience, but wrecked a family tradition.

The box, which was hand-built by the firm Jennings of Crewe, was bought by Mr Brown's grandfather, Thomas Lister, in 1967 for £7,000.

Mr Brown said: "It wasn't just something I needed to take part in the shows, but nostalgic and full of character.

"It has been passed down through the family and it was important to me to use it to show ponies.

"It can only be rebuilt with the same look and style by specialists.

"It isn't just a question of paying to replace it, but recreating it properly."

Police are appealing for information about the blaze, which was started between 7pm and 8pm last Wednesday, in Station Road, in West Cornforth.

The 50ft by 40ft pre-cast, concrete portable building was substantially damaged along with the horse box that was stored inside.

PC Phil Stainthopre, of Spennymoor police, is asking anyone who was in the area that evening to report anything they saw that was suspicious.

People are asked to phone the police on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.