STAFF at the Horses and Ponies Association (HAPPA) trotted out a special guest at an unveiling.

Equine star Harvey, who played Joey in Steven Spielberg’s hit movie War Horse, visited the Shores Hey Farm Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, in Briercliffe to launch the centre’s new isolation unit.

Unbridled fun was had as the horse, who played Albert Narracott’s wonderful and loyal companion in the 2011 flick, thrilled guests.

Equine manager Sarah Arthur said: “We have always worked hard at Shores Hey Farm to ensure the best care possible for all horses, ponies, and donkeys that need our help and have made many positive changes over the past five years within the resources available to us.”

Other guests at the informal reception included Peter and June Wilson, relatives of the late HAPPA benefactor Yvonne Gregory.

Money made from the sale of property left by Miss Gregory more than 20 years ago helped to fund the unit, a large crew barn, and a field shelter on site.

A grant of £20,000 from Support Adoption For Pets paid for fixtures and fittings, and a donation from JA Smith Animal Charity Fund paid for an electric hoist used to help animals that need help standing following rescue.

The new isolation unit has been occupied by six newly rescued horses.

More new facilities, including conference and meeting facilities, outdoor and indoor arenas with an integrated class or meeting room could be completed in March, HAPPA said.

Sarah said: “The isolation unit is just the beginning.”