The future looked bleak when 21-year-old mare Fergie was found in a poor condition near Fakenham last year.

Now, just nine months on, the pony is fit and healthy and looking forward to a new life in a loving home.

She and seven-year-old Maude have been cared for by the World Horse Welfare since their rescue and both went on to have foals during their rehabilitation at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton.

They were discovered in a field after a concerned member of the public contacted the horse charity on March 10 last year.

The next day saw World Horse Welfare field officer Jacko Jackson head out to investigate with Paula Cooper, a senior trading standards officer at Norfolk County Council.

Maude was found to be very underweight and a vet recommended she be removed from the site that day. A two further ponies were found in a poor condition and their owner was given notice to improve.

Mr Jackson returned on May 13 last year with police, trading standards and a farrier, only to find Fergie's condition had deteriorated.

The mare was also signed over to the charity and her recovery could begin.

Maude and her foal will remain with World Horse Welfare, while Fergie has recently been rehomed in Kent.