PAUL Barker has been invited to compete in the British Open Show Jumping Championships at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield in April.

The Northallerton rider, currently 12th in the BSJA national rankings, made a successful debut last year in an event which features leading riders from both the UK and overseas.

With more than £150,000 in prize money up for grabs over the four days of international classes, including the £25,000 to the winner of the British Open Championship which is the richest single purse in British show jumping, the event is an important fixture on the show jumping calendar.

Reigning British Open champion, Nick Skelton, will be officially invited to defend his title at the show, which takes place from Thursday, April 7 to Sunday, April 10.

The other ten riders who will receive invitations are Robert Smith, Michael Whitaker, John Whitaker, Robert Whitaker, Ellen Whitaker, Mark Armstrong, Tim Stockdale, Richard Davenport, Scott Smith and Guy Williams.

The line-up will also include two other British riders who will have qualified to compete through a qualifying competition held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre at the end of January.

With the other half of the field consisting of some of the very best foreign riders on the circuit, every class is guaranteed to produce fiercely competitive and entertaining show jumping.

Tickets are now on sale and prices range from £14 to £37.50 for adults, with discounts for children under 16 and pensioners.

For more information and online booking visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the box office on 0114 256 5656.

Groups of 12 or more are entitled to a discount via the groups box office. Call 0870 906 3984 for details. A booking fee of £2.50 per adult ticket, £1.50 per discount ticket and 50p per group ticket applies.