One of the most graceful and popular equine shows to tour the world is thrilling audiences in the North-East.

A show starring the Lippizaner Stallions opened at the Newcastle Telewest Arena last night, with further performances today and tomorrow. as part of an eight-week tour of 14 venues across the UK.

Fourteen Lippizaner stallions and their riders perform in the show, which is now in its 33rd year of touring.

The US show emulates the Spanish Riding School, in Vienna, and with the horses coming from the same Lippizia region of Europe.

Master of Ceremonies Troy Tinker said: "If you love horses, you'll feel like you have died and gone to heaven."