AN HISTORIC event will be returning on Easter Monday.

The annual Tynedale Point-to-Point has been unable to go ahead for the past two years, due to the pandemic last year and as a result of bad weather in 2020.

The meetings, which take place at Downhills near Corbridge, are usually held in February.

Amanda Odd, joint secretary of the event, said: "We thought if we went for Easter Monday, hopefully that makes it a bit more of a family day out.

"We're very much looking forward to running again this year and back to normal with a public crowd."

The pony races will begin at 12pm, followed by the horse races at 1pm.

There will be food and drink on sale, along with bouncy castles, face painting, hook-a-duck, ice cream and candy floss. There will also be bookmakers, as well as a hospitality tent and gin bar.

For the first time, there will also be some trade stands.

The Scottish Pony Racing Academy will be in attendance and will bring an equicizer - a racing simulator - so visitors can get a feel of what it is like to be a jockey.

The Tynedale Point-to-Point began at Downhills in 1947, and has remained there ever since apart from a spell from 1949 to 1958 when the track at The Stelling near Newton was used.

The course has remained largely unchanged since 1970. 

Visitors can pay on entry.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for students and young farmers. Under-16s go free.