Children meet police horse named after their town Berkeley

Pupils at Berkeley Primary School were recently treated to a visit from Gloucestershire Police’s newest steed as part of a competition to name him.

Berkeley - who was originally known as Moose - has just turned five and joined the force in April.

All primary schools in the district were challenged by school beat officer Hannah Coll to come up with a suitable new name which celebrated a link to the county. 

Officers took Berkeley, along with stablemate Teddy, along to the school recently to say hello.

Ms Coll said: "The children were all so excited to be meeting both the officers and the horses.

"The Mounted Section were also kind enough to present the school with framed pictures of both Berkeley and all the other horses too. 

“I know the headteacher was incredibly touched by this kind gesture."

Pupils and staff from Berkeley Primary School meeting police horses Berkeley and Teddy (Image: Gloucestershire Police)

Newly-named police horse Berkeley from Gloucestershire Police (Image: Gloucestershire Police)

Joanna Wood, equine manager with the mounted section, said that Berkeley was already proving popular with the public.

She said: "When we first got Berkeley, he was described as a BFG and they weren't wrong!

"He loves people and is like a big playful toddler – if you turn your back for a moment, he's always into something.

"He really draws a crowd and we get plenty of nice comments and smiles from the public every time we are out. He does stand out - and he knows it!"