Porsche Centre Mid-Sussex, due to move operations from Portslade to Burgess Hill on December 15, is to sponsor the Hickstead Riders Ball at the All England Jumping Course.

The company, which is also providing a weekend's use of a luxury, £31,450 Porsche Boxster sports car for a prize draw, will make it possible for equestrian fans to rub shoulders with star riders such as double European and Badminton winner Pippa Funnell and her international showjumping husband William, Hickstead Derby winner John Popeley and popular showjumper Duncan Inglis.

The Ball, on December 6, will be the first at Hickstead's refurbished hospitality suite overlooking the famous International Arena. In 2002, in a luxury marquee, it attracted a large attendance but this year in its new surroundings is a 240-ticket sell-out

.