A 47-year-old horse, which vanished from a field in Davenham, was found by police trotting along the A556 on Monday morning.

George went missing from livery stables on Green Lane, Davenham, on Sunday evening and a frantic search followed from his owner Sarah Redmond of Chester Road, Kelsall.

She said: "He is nearly in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest living horse but he is so much more than that to us.

"George is a wonderful horse."

Police took George to the home of Lorraine Dunne in London Road, Davenham to be looked after.

Mrs Dunne, who owns other horses and had facilities to accommodate George, said: "We were woken early on Monday morning by police asking us to look after this horse. I didn't mind at all and it is nice that there has been a happy ending."

George was bought for Lucy, Mrs Redmond's 12-year-old daughter, by her grandparents who have since died.

George was also a successful horse winning cups and medals from shows across the country.

Mrs Redmond said: "He has had a wonderful life. Even though he can't be ridden any more we still love him. I don't know what we would have done if he wasn't found."

Diana Webster, Mrs Redmond's sister, said: "We would like to thank everyone who helped in the search."