A south Norfolk based sanctuary has 15 new residents following a large-scale horse rescue from a farm in south Wales.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary was involved in the recovery of a total of 21 ponies after being contacted by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Ten members of staff from the Hapton-based charity attended following concerns about the welfare of a number of the animals.

Senior vet, Nicolas de Brauwere, from Redwings said the 15 ponies at Redwings, which includes mares with young foals, were in poor health, and were receiving feed and veterinary treatment. Many are also very nervous and will need significant rehabilitation work over the coming months, she said.

'Many of the ponies were in very poor condition and in order to act in their best interest it was crucial that we took action as soon as possible to remove them. We were able to intervene using the Animal Welfare legislation to get the ponies signed over into our care.'

'I am delighted to say that they are gathering strength already and we are optimistic that they will make a full recovery,' she said.

The remaining six ponies have been taken in by Bristol-based charity HorseWorld.