THE man responsible for bringing the world-famous Thwaites Brewery Shire Horses back to East Lancashire in the 1960s is now celebrating success with his little pony.

For ex-Thwaites's managing director David Kay's prized Shetland pony - nine-year-old Oxendale Jilly - has just been named the best in Britain.

David, of Mellor near Blackburn, rates it as his single greatest achievement in over three decades of breeding and judging Shetland ponies.

After returning from Perth in Scotland where he picked up the prestigious Best Show Pony award from the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society, David said: "I could not be more delighted - it certainly ranks as my finest hour as a breeder and represents a wonderful honour, not just for me but for Jilly.

"She is a very special pony and I also bred both her dam and her grand-dam so there is a long association which makes it even more satisfying."

"I grew up on a farm and have always had a fondness for horses.

"I have upped my interest still further since retiring from Thwaites and now travel the country both showing and judging.

"I have picked out many champions over the years and now I know just how good it feels when your pony is selected as an extra-special winner!