THE Princess Royal was the guest of honour at an equine event yesterday.

Princess Anne met winners of a children's art competition, presented prizes and watched displays at the British Horse Society's (BHS) Voice of the Horse event, at Houghall College, Durham.

The event was designed to celebrate horses and the people who work with them, and featured examples of every native breed in the UK.

There were also demonstrations of horseball (rugby on horseback), show jumping, vaulting, carriage driving and side-saddle riding, as well as stalls and other attractions.

Pam Ainsworth, secretary of the northern branch of the BHS, said: "It was great because it was the first time something like this had been attempted.

"We were delighted to get Princess Anne there all afternoon after we won the bid out of all the other events taking place in the whole country.

"It was a good chance for people to meet up with those from other disciplines and drew the town and country together for a good day out."