White Rose Polo Club at North Cliffe near Market Weighton is the venue for the first ever Yorkshire Open Polo Championships this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 August. Members of the public are invited along to watch what promises to be a thrilling competition - gates open at 10:30am

Eight teams from Yorkshire's three polo clubs will battle it out on White Rose Polo Club's impressive full size tournament pitch, which is located in the attractive grounds of Townend Farm. The White Rose Polo teams will be up against local rivals Beverley and teams from Toulston. To ensure that club members of varying abilities are able to take part, there are two trophies for different handicap levels.

Hedley Aylott, Chairman of White Rose Polo Club, said: "White Rose Polo Club is one of the fastest growing club's in the country and it seems rather fitting that we should have this exciting opportunity to host the very first Yorkshire Open Polo Championship."

"This is an important tournament for polo in Yorkshire and for White Rose Polo Club. As a relative newcomer to the scene, we have quickly become established and pride ourselves on encouraging people of all abilities to learn to play polo in a fun and encouraging environment. I think our rapid growth is largely due to the fantastic facilities that we have here, the friendly atmosphere and our highly supportive members - it's all about having fun!"

An extremely successful first season has seen membership of White Rose Polo Club grow to more than 30. This Yorkshire polo club offers a range of polo lessons all year round to suit people of all ages and abilities, as well as specialising in corporate events, private parties and children's birthday parties.

In recent weeks, the club has played host to more than 150 local children, who seized the opportunity to enjoy taster sessions during the summer holidays. This and other such events are aimed at encouraging children and young people to take up the sport.

• The Yorkshire Open Polo Championship takes place at White Rose Polo Club this weekend. Gates open to the public at 10.30am on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is £10 per car and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic. Four matches will be played on each day.
Notes to editors:

• White Rose Polo Club was founded by Hedley Aylott, the owner of Townend Farm.
• The club was set up by its members in early 2007.
• The club now has more than 30 members of all ages, ranging from complete beginners to experienced polo players.
• The polo manager is Tony Wesche, a HPA (Hurlingham Polo Association) qualified coach from New Zealand. Tony is a highly respected horseman and polo coach, who has a wonderful approach to the sport. He is also an accomplished polo cross player.
• Visit www.whiterosepolo.co.uk for more information.