Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion was in the region last night, to encourage youngsters to consider a career in racing.

Mr Champion was representing the Northern Racing College, Doncaster, at the GO 2000 careers event at the Arc, in Stockton.

He spent the evening talking to young people who were considering a job in racing and demonstrating what it takes to be a top jockey, with the aid of a horse simulator.

The Northern Racing College was one of 50 exhibitors at last night's event, which was organised by Future Steps, Teesside's careers service provider.

The event followed similar career events in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Hartlepool, at which Year Ten and 11 students were invited to find out about a variety of jobs, with their parents