THE North-East trainer of Grand National winner Red Marauder has been accused of tax offences.

Millionaire businessman Norman Mason owns Brancepeth Manor Farm stables, near Durham.

Mr Mason, who received a hero's welcome at a victory parade through Sunderland city centre in April last year, yesterday faced a series of charges before the city's magistrates concerning VAT.

Mr Mason, whose address was given as his company offices in High Street West, Sunderland, faces 24 charges of failing to comply with tax regulations between January 5 and March 6.

The Mason Organisation faces five similar charges of non-payment between January 5 and March 6 and N. B. Mason Entertainment Ltd faces six.

A second man, Jack Conaboy, whose address is also given as the Mason company's premises, faces 18 charges.

Neither men appeared at the hearing before Sunderland magistrates yesterday when the case was adjourned until December 10.

A self-made millionaire, Mr Mason was born in Sunderland and grew up in Netherburn Road, Monk-wearmouth.

The former nightclub bouncer made his first break into leisure management when he took over the Savoy bingo hall in Southwick 40 years ago.

The Mason Organisation, which is based above Chambers Nightclub in High Street West, now includes bingo clubs, pubs and amusement arcades and employs 500 people.

Mr Mason, who supports many charities, used money from his leisure businesses to fund his passion for racing. He keeps about 60 of his horses at his stables.

Mr Mason's proudest moment came when his horse, Red Marauder, won the Aintree Grand National.

It was a dream come true for Mr Mason, not to mention the successful jockey, 36-year-old Richard Guest, his ever-present right-hand man.

Red Marauder claimed another victory in January this year when it came out strides ahead in the Northern Rock North-East Sports Award.

The horse made a surprise appearance at the Seaburn Centre, Sunderland, to take the prize for Performance of the Year.

It was the first time in the event's history that an animal has won an award.

Yesterday, at Sedgefield racecourse, County Durham, one of his runners, Night Fighter, was scratched, while a second horse - the outsider Master Gatemaker - finished ninth.