SOME horses across the county need loving homes, an animal charity has said.

Staff at Burford-based charity Blue Cross are looking for residents to provide homes for 30 horses and ponies.

The animals were rescued by the RSPCA and taken in to the Blue Cross horse welfare centre at the Shilton Road site.

One horse cared for by staff and volunteers at the centre is Tommy, who was confined to a small squalid barn and suffered physical abuse.

Horse unit manager Vicki Alford said: “Tommy was one of the horses we took in. He was very worried and anxious but underneath there was a real spark.

“You could see he wanted to trust us but just had no idea that humans were nice. It was a long slow process but now, seven months later, Tommy has an admirable bond with his groom Serena, who painstakingly has earned his trust.

“He leads well to and from the field, can be groomed all over and have his feet picked up and is now ready to find a home for life.

“He gives so much love and affection that someone out there will give him the home he deserves.”

See bluecross.org.uk