A REVOLUTIONARY racing saddle has been developed by a Richmond shoemaker.

Classic Racing Products has been given a European grant worth more than £2,000 to help with production.

The company developed a saddle for Flat and national hunt jockeys which is much lighter, stronger and more secure than traditional models.

It is based on a newly-designed carbon-kevlar tree, the part that fits over the horse's spine and supports the girth straps and stirrups. The tree is light and tough and holds its shape and position under stress.

Nathan Horrocks, a former jockey and co-director of Classic Racing Products, said: "To produce the saddle in reasonable quantities we needed specialist equipment and tooling, which we have now been able to purchase with the extra funding.

"We are confident that the saddle, produced in two sizes and weights, will be well received by jockeys both within the UK and overseas."

The grant was part of the Objective 2 business development fund, a European programme aimed at helping regenerate rural areas. Business Solutions Bedale helped the company to bid for the award.

Grants of up to £20,000 are offered under the scheme, which runs until March 2004.

It is open to existing businesses and start-up projects with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than 40m euros.

Businesses must work alongside a designated adviser and provide evidence that investment will aid process and product innovation, creation of new jobs and an increase in sales turnover.

To find out if they are eligible for funding, businesses should contact Richmondshire district council's economic, cultural and leisure unit on 01748 829100 or Steve Smethurst at Business Solutions Bedale on 01677 423737.