TWO young riders from the region helped England's junior 128cm team win the gold medal at the Cavan Home Pony International in Ireland last weekend.

Eight-year-old Pippa Allen, from Stainsby Grange, Thornaby, and 12-year-old Daniel Neilson, from Lingdale, joined Emma Bell and Jamie Sizor in a convincing performance.

Pippa, on Cappagh Misty, and Daniel, riding Sligo Lucky, helped their team to victory with a zero score from Ireland, second on eight faults, and Scotland in bronze medal position.

The 138cm team of Dan Neilson, James Reveley (Lingdale), Scarlett Ward (Beverley), Rae-Louise Farmer (Durham) and reserve Adam Vaulks (Barnard Castle) took silver, finishing on eight faults.

Pippa Allen was in tremendous form all weekend, winning the main 128cm class on the first day from 60 starters with Cappagh Misty and finishing fourth in the speed class.

In Sunday's grand prix, she pipped Dan Neilson to go into the lead, but the pair had to watch as the Irish crowd cheered home their riders to take top spots.

Meanwhile, Adam Vaulks, from Barnard Castle, won a speed class earlier in the weekend before enjoying his biggest success to date with Royal Declan.

When James Reveley narrowly failed to catch Adam in a large jump-off, it looked as though the win was his, but once again roars from the Irish propelled the last rider to take the 138cm grand prix.