A LANCASHIRE police officer has written a children’s book to raise money for retired service horses.

PC Dave Palmer-Davies, an officer in the mounted branch, wrote the 20-page story about Pendle the police horse, a foal who goes on a journey of discovery to decide what he wants to be when he grows up.

The story is based on real-life Lancashire Police horse, Pendle, an 18-year-old bay gelding.

Most police horses retire at around 20 and so it is likely that Pendle will be the forces’ next one to hand over his reins.

PC Palmer-Davies, 44, who serves across the county, said his three sons, aged two, three and nine, were the inspiration for his book.

He said: “I have no previous experience of writing books but I had always wanted to write one for my little boys.

“The possibility to also raise money for retired police horses gave me the push to do it - the support available from this fund is invaluable.

“I really enjoyed writing the book and my career as a mounted police officer gave me lots of creative ideas for the story.

“I have shown my children the book and they think it is fantastic.

“I hope people will support this book and this important charity to help the horses that spend their working life protecting the county’s residents.”

All proceeds from the book will be will be donated to the Lancashire Police Horse Benevolent Fund, which was set up in 2010 to help to cover any treatment the horse may need after it retires.