AN ISLAND equine business flew the flag for the Isle of Wight at the Horse of the Year Show.

The Island Riding Centre, of Staplers Road, Newport, hosted its first show stand at the prestigious event, advertising riding holidays on the IW.

Centre director Louise Buckner and her team headed to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham to showcase their complex, which now includes an indoor arena as well as riding facilities and holiday accommodation.

Island Riding Centre ran a competition to win a £2,000 holiday at the centre for four people, and more than 5,000 people submitted the entry postcards.

The team was excited to get a visit from young equestrian vlogger This EsMe, who conducted an interview with them — which can be viewed on Twitter.

The grand finale of the week-long trip, was the first-ever Horse of the Year Show charity auction. Famous jockey comedians Wocket Woy and The Pwducer were the auctioneers, and Island Riding Centre donated a holiday worth £1,500.

Louise said: "We had such a great response from people either looking for riding holidays or just a family holiday, as the Island is a unique holiday destination.

"There were so many Islanders at the show, or people who have family here, it was lovely to see them at our stand."