A CONSTRUCTION company has stepped in to sponsor one of the most prestigious horse races in the North-East's sporting calendar.

Durham City-based Esh Group has announced it is to sponsor this year's Gosforth Park Cup, previously backed for the last 22 years by troubled bank Northern Rock.

The five-furlong sprint is the feature race of the Friday evening fixture during Newcastle racecourse's annual Northumberland Plate meeting, in June.

Around 15,000 spectators are expected to attend the race which dates back to 1903 and is worth 30,000 to the winner.

Brian Manning, chief executive of Esh Group, said: "It is a landmark in both the racing and the social calendars.

"Esh Group is firmly rooted in the North-East; our fundamental philosophy is to spend money in the region in support of our commercial and cultural activity. Our decision to sponsor the Gosforth Park Cup is a direct reflection of this strategy.

"It is, of course, sad in many ways that we have had the opportunity to do so, but we are pleased to be in a position to be able to 'step up to the plate'."

Mike Elliott, commercial manager of Newcastle Racecourse, said: "Esh Group's commitment is tremendous news for racing and for Newcastle Racecourse.

"We are delighted to have agreed this deal which gives Esh Group an option for a minimum of three years."