A GRANT of £4,000 has brought plans to create a centre of excellence for harness racing a step closer.

Secretary of the North-East Standard Breed Association Richard Wigham, from Wolsingham, has been campaigning for more recognition of harness or sulkie racing for many years.

He is hailing a breakthrough for the sport with the award from development agency One NorthEast.

Harness racers guide their horses and carts at speeds of up to 30mph around set courses.

The grant money is to be spent on safer equipment for contests, including posts that bounce back after being hit by cart wheels.

This will allow the association to bring more young people into the sport and increase the number of races.

There will be three race meetings at Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland in summer.

Mr Wigham said: "We have been knocked back and knocked back when we have applied for grants because people say we are not a recognised sport, but we don't get anything from the betting levy or anybody else. We have to rely on money from other people. This money has come as a shock for us. One North-East has come up trumps."

The money was secured with the help of Business Link County Durham and has been awarded from a fund designed to help regenerate the area after the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The sport was badly affected by the epidemic because fields where races could be held were off limits and potential revenue was lost from visiting competitors.

People travel from across England and Scotland to race meetings in the North-East, and the region has produced several outstanding racers who have competed at international level.

The group still lacks a permanent track, but hopes the legitimacy that One North-East's grant has lent the sport will help it attract funding for one.

Mr Wigham said: "We will be putting on a couple of races for youngsters to come along and take part with little ponies, so there will be more family involvement. We are looking to start to train youngsters aged five and upwards."

To join the North-East Standard Breed Association call Mr Wigham on (01388) 527737.