New-born rescued foal named Lucky

The newly-born foal was discribed as being "full of beans"

A foal who was born to a neglected pony rescued by the RSPCA and Surrey Police has been named "Lucky".

Seven ponies were found running wild in a field in Staines which was covered with ragwort and scrap metal last year.

The Blue Cross charity feared one of the animals called Minnie, who was underweight, infested with lice and in foal, would have a difficult pregnancy.

But staff at the Oxfordshire centre where she was taken said the foal was born fit and well on 11 April.

'Loving life'

Burford Blue Cross centre manager Vicki Alford said: "Lucky seemed like the perfect nickname for the little foal, whose life could have turned out so differently.

"It's awful to think that these ponies were left to run wild and free to breed when they could barely survive themselves.

"Thank goodness Lucky made it through the pregnancy and can now look forward to a secure future with The Blue Cross.

"He's only a week old but already full of beans and loving life."

The previous owner of the animals was banned from keeping horses for 10 years at Staines Magistrates' Court in March.