AFTER 28 years of rubbing shoulders with the international horse and carriage set, North-East caravan company boss Jim Robson has finally achieved his greatest ambition.

Next month, with his beloved Welsh cob Duke, he will be representing Britain in the World Singles Carriage Driving Championship at Astorp, in Sweden.

He will find himself competing against the cream of carriage drivers from Europe and as far afield as America, Australia and Argentina.

The 66-year-old from Wolsingham, in Weardale, has been a reserve driver in two previous world championships.

"But this is the first time I have actually been chosen to represent Britain," he said. "I can only say that I am very, very proud."

Over the years, Mr Robson admits to taking some serious knocks in a sport popularised by the Duke of Edinburgh.

"It gets tougher as you get older," he said. "A lot of people don't realise, but it is a dangerous sport."

As one of the oldest competitors taking part in the championships, held from July 21 to 25, Mr Robson admits to being in the "veteran class".

The favourites are the host nation, Sweden, which can boast a national coach in a sport heavily sponsored by government money.

He is pinning his hopes for success in Sweden on his long experience in the sport.

"As the number of carriage driving clubs has rapidly increased in recent years, more and more younger people have started competing," he said.

"But success depends on the measure of your ability to train horses - and I have spent many years doing this.

"The competition may be very tough, but I just thrive on it."

And, of course, there is 16-year-old Duke, who has now drawn Jim Robson's carriage at events throughout Britain, Europe and the United States for 12 years.