A CONSTRUCTION firm is backing a major sporting event.

The Owen Pugh Group has revealed it is sponsoring the Burgham International Horse Trials for a second year.

The equestrian event, based in Northumberland, attracted more than 5,000 fans last year and will stage competitions in March and August.

John Dickson, Owen Pugh Group chairman, said: “Burgham is the only international event of its kind in the North-East and something the whole region should be proud of.

“I’m delighted we are title sponsor for the second year running.”

The company, which employs about 400 people, and has its headquarters in Dudley, Northumberland, is also helping build Burgham’s cross country course by providing equipment and materials.

Martyn Johnson, from Burgham International Horse Trials, added: “Last year’s event was a huge success and we hope with Owen Pugh’s support we can take it to the next level.”

Owen Pugh has bases across the North-East, including an aggregate site at Marsden Quarry, South Tyneside, and its HCS Drains Service division, in Stockton.

It also previously moved its GDC subsidiary moved to a new depot in Blaydon, North Tyneside, to grow the business, which carries out drainage, flood alleviation and regeneration work for local authorities and water utility firms.

Last year, The Northern Echo revealed Owen Pugh had secured an £800,000 deal to carry out earthmoving work on the busy A174 and A19 junction close to Thornaby, near Stockton.

The project, overseen by Costain for the Highways Agency, includes dualling the route and adding extra lanes to a roundabout.