GENTLE giants of the horse world were put through their paces yesterday in the run-up to an annual ploughing match.

Heavy horses from across the country will take part in the ploughing match at Beamish Museum, County Durham, this Saturday.

And the museum's own horses, looked after by Peter Brassett, are strong contenders for a victory.

All the horses, many of them Shires, will wear traditional costume and harnesses.

There will be two classes in the match - four teams will compete in the general purpose class and three in the prestigious high cut. World champion Jim Elliot from Shropshire will defend the Beamish title in the high cut class.

Ploughing will start at 11am and prizes will be awarded at 4pm.

The match is sponsored by Warburton's bakers.