Police mount campaign to name new horse

Avon and Somerset Police's latest recruit is looking for a new name and primary school children have been invited to help.

At 17.1hh high the four legged crime fighter's stable name of 'Tiny' is no longer suitable and the mounted team are looking for a name which has a link to the force area.

The team at Bower Ashton already includes Redland, Clifton, Broadmead and Somerset. All of the horses are male and bay in colour and Tiny is no exception.

Children from across the force area has been asked to think of an appropriate new name and the winning child will take part in an official naming ceremony at the centre's open day in June.

Since the competition was launched last week entries have been flooding in.

PC Jon Green, who is Tiny's rider said: "Tiny has the biggest feet I have ever seen so his name is really not fitting! He is coming along very well and I am looking forward to developing a good working partnership. All of the horses have wonderful temperaments which is vital for the work they do."

The duties of a police horse are varied and widespread and they frequently support all the districts and departments in prioritised crime and public order initiatives,

They also regularly patrol the streets providing a highly visible presence.

Mounted officers are also involved in the policing of high profile events such as Glastonbury Festival, Badminton Horse Trials, Bristol Balloon Fiesta and football matches.