CHARITY bosses were left stunned when heartless thieves stole a much-needed quad bike and trailer from a Blackpool horse sanctuary over Easter.

The red Honda quad bike and RSPCA trailer were taken either late Saturday night or early Sunday morning from a locked shed at Penny Farm off the A583 at Peel, run by the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

Tony Fleming, centre manager, said: "You don't miss something like that until its gone."

The trailer was used for transporting equipment and feed around the farm, and the centre is having to manage with its remaining equipment.

"It's devastating to think that these people can steal from a charity and although the equipment was insured it will not cover the replacement costs," he added.

The charity released the chassis number of the Honda -- 478TE25UX1A150689 -- and engine number -- TE25E-8057879 -- in a bid to recover it. Police are also investigating the theft, understood to be one of a number of similar crimes in the area over the Easter weekend.

Despite the blow, Penny Farm enjoyed a busy Easter weekend, with many visitors delighted by the centre's newest arrival, Jack the black and white Shetland pony foal.

His mother Solo was taken into the centre by ILPH field officer Chris Williamson, who said: "A lady bought Solo for her small daughter despite the fact that she knew very little about the care of ponies.

"Sadly we see this all too often. People just don't realise the specialist knowledge needed to care for them properly and indeed the expense involved."

Initial fears that Solo -- who was thin and suffering from mastitis when she arrived -- wouldn't be able to feed Jack without help proved unfounded.

"Jack is a healthy little chap who is proving to be quite a character," an ILPH spokeswoman said.

Penny Farm is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, 11am-4pm, admission free.