THE National Pony Society area 12 show, held at Worcester for the first time last Sunday, was such a success organisers are keen to return to the city next year.

Nearly 500 ponies and horses from all over the country converged on Pitchcroft racecourse for the 91 class event and were over the moon with the facilities.

"The going was just perfect," said Janet Ball, general secretary of the Three Counties branch of the NPS.

"It made such a nice change from some of the showgrounds competitors appear at. They all said how good it was.

"The setting was excellent too. You felt so safe. We are very keen to come back again next year and make it an annual event, but if possible we want to switch the date to May to avoid this year's clash with a show at Stafford."

As well as qualifying classes for the NPS Championships at Malvern in August, the event featured unaffiliated sections for horses, including working hunter and dressage.

"We are keen to attract more local competitors next year and may put on some special classes for them," Janet added.