A WELCOME boost has come for the Armathwaite Hall Horse Trials at Bassenthwaite Lake with the news that a three-year contract has been agreed to put the prestigious Lake District event on global television for 2002-5.

The coverage will for the first time put British eventing on TV screen across the world.

It is just a few weeks since the cancellation of the 2001 event because of foot-and-mouth, and the deal is a massive confidence-boost for all concerned.

Joint organiser Frank Hewett-Smith said: "Recent comment has suggested that there is potential for improved coverage of equestrian sport...and it is obvious there is a great deal of interest in well-prepared and supported proposals."