Police horse opts for quiet life

Chubby will see out his retirement in rural Northumberland

The final whistle has blown on the 18-year career of a police horse which has put in more hours at Tyneside's St James' Park than Alan Shearer.

The 24-year-old grey gelding, Chubby, has policed more than 1,000 football matches at Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds, Hull and Sheffield.

It made its last appearance at Alan Shearer's testimonial game on Thursday.

Chubby will now see out the rest of his days in rural Northumberland at a retirement home for horses.

Favourite mints

For the past 10 years Chubby has been the regular mount of Sgt Dave Roythorne, head of the Northumbria force's mounted section which is based at Kirkley Hall, Ponteland.

Sgt Roythorne said: "Chubby has always been at the forefront of parades and demonstrations and has never let me down.

"He's fearless in everything he does, yet he has a very affectionate nature.

"He's helped with the training of numerous recruits to the mounted section as well as rubbing shoulders with royalty, meeting the Princess Royal and taking part in All the Queen's Horses, a diamond jubilee event.

"People make a point of coming to see him at every match, always armed with his favourite mints."