HORSES have returned to what is believed to be the country's most successful stables, Whitewall Yard at Norton on Derwent.

After standing unused for several years, the complex, which dates back more than 200 years, has been bought by Mark Campion, a trainer with an impressive record worldwide.

Whitewall produced several Derby and St Leger winners and horses were trained there for leading members of the horse-owning aristocracy - among them the Marquis of Westminster, Lord Wilton and Lord Derby - in the 19th century.

Whitewall is best known for its links with the legendary John Scott, who produced 40 Classic winners, and in more recent times it was the yard of the late Frank Carr.

Five horses have already moved into the 30-stable yard and Mr Campion's long term plan is to have them all in use.

He trained with John Dunlop at Arundel and spent several years working on stud farms in Ireland, France, New Zealand and Australia to learn his training skills.

He and his wife Fiona and their 18-month-old son Arthur moved to Norton from Basingstoke.

Mr Campion has a dual purpose licence to train horses for both show jumping and flat racing.

"My aim is to take Whitewall Yard back to its former glory, but it will be a gradual process", he said.

He will have his first horses from the Whitewall yard running in the next few weeks.

They include Sir Henvue, Northern Fleet - which ran at Royal Ascot - and King of the Dawn