Meet Gloucestershire Constabulary's newest equine recruit, Berkeley

Children at a Gloucestershire school have come face-to-face with their namesake – a horse called Berkeley.

Pupils at Berkeley Primary School were treated to a visit from Gloucestershire Constabulary'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 the primary schools in the Stroud District were challenged by School Beat officer Hannah Coll to come up with a suitable new name which celebrated a link to the county, with 'Berkeley' whiney-ing the contest.

Officers took Berkeley, along with stablemate Teddy, along to the primary school recently to say hello to the youngsters and the children were invited to meet the two horses.

Hannah 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."

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!"