Horses saddled up for Whitchurch New Year's Day parade

Horse lovers saddled up to start 2012 in style with their annual New Year's Day parade.

North Shropshire Driving Club members were out and about in Whitchurch and the surrounding villages as part of the event which has been running for more than 20 years.

Members of the public came out and supported the group to help spread a little festive cheer.

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Ponies and horses gathered at the lorry park in Prees Heath from 11am on Sunday and set off from The Raven car park at 12.30pm.

A civic reception took place in Whitchurch at about 1pm, with the town's deputy mayor, Councillor Rob Hewson and councillors greeting the procession.

A commemorative brass and rosette were given to each driver and the group.

Parade organiser Dot Moreland said: "It was a really good day and there was a good turnout of people who watched the parade.

"Everything went as planned which is always nice.

"I counted about 11 horses who took part in the event. They all looked well.

"Rob Hewson did a great job. "This event has now been going for well over 20 years and the old tradition with the horses must go on and on."

She added that the group is always on the lookout for new members and it meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Raven Hotel.