A young equestrian from Kent helped England win gold with a strong performance in the Home Pony International.

Alex Chitty, aged 11, was a member of the English squad which went on to clinch a team gold medal.

Alex, who trains with his mother Amy and father Peter in Meopham, took his pony Maron’s Stardust to the event at Chepstow in Wales on Sunday.

Alex was part of a team of four which helped England beat Ireland in a jump off.

With both countries tied on zero, show jumpers were asked to go up against the clock with the best three times added together to give a combined total.

England’s cumulative total of 115 seconds was six seconds quicker than Ireland.

Alex was presented with a rug and sash for his pony and also received a medal and rosette.

His mother, Amy Chitty, said: "He went out there and tried his heart out. All he could hear was everyone shouting at him.

"I’m really pleased for him. He works so hard and gives up a lot of other things so he can do it."