Transatlantic trade is resuming for specialist equestrian manufacturer Bennington Carriages with its first container shipment of horse drawn carriages to America since June.

Boasting a Royal warrant for supplying driving vehicles to the Royal family, Bennington regularly exported its world-famous carriages until coronavirus hit the sport both at home and in America.

On 9 December three competition carriages were shipped to the company's agent in Pennsylvania for clients on America's west coast, with the container due to dock in January.

It's a welcome return to export sales for Sue Mart, company Managing Director and herself a world championship carriage driver and qualified instructor.

"I am thrilled and looking forward to seeing pictures of our Bennington carriages being used and enjoyed by their new owners," she said.

"The Covid pandemic effectively put a stop to many aspects of our sport, with no driving shows or competitions and trade effectively stopped.

"Now I feel that customer confidence is returning and those that enjoy the sport are again wanting to enjoy their leisure time and own the best carriages on the market. Our American customers certainly appreciate the British engineering, our traditional skills and our worldwide reputation.

"We also export to New Zealand and Australia, so look forward to renewed trade there as well."

Shipment is being organised door to door by Newark- based International Export Packers, where export specialist Catherine Hensell said; "We are absolutely delighted to see international trade return for Bennington Carriages. We have helped them deliver their carriages all over the world and it's good to see that quality British engineering is so appreciated."