RESIDENTS in three Clacks care homes had a surprise guest last week, when a Shetland pony stopped by for a visit.

Pollyanna was brought in by Abbie Carruthers, 26, who runs the Devon River Riding Centre in Fishcross.

It was an idea which came to her after hearing of the need for entertainment at the centre where her grandmother is staying.

And so on Thursday, September 20, Abbie and Pollyanna paid a visit to West Lodge Gardens, Hillview and The Orchard, much to the delight of the residents

Abbie also suggested there could be a return on the cars for the pony in the near future.

She told the Advertiser: "What happened is my gran is in West Lodge and I was speaking with my auntie and heard they were looking for people to go in to entertain everyone there.

"I just mentioned that I have a wee pony and it just went from there."

She added: "Everyone at the homes loved it.

"I was actually surprised, I never thought it would go down so well.

"I brought polo mints and they were all feeding her.

"I've said that any time they want me to go back in with Pollyanna I will."

Sheila Ramsay, 56, manager of West Lodge Gardens, felt the residents absolutely loved their visit from Pollyanna.

She said: "It was a big hit. They were really taken by the pony coming in and they enjoyed petting it.

"There were some really smiley faces around and it's just something so out of the ordinary.

"We usually hold musical events and things like that, so it is unusual to see a horse in the lounge and most of the tenants really loved it."

When asked if the residents would be keen for another animal visit to the home, Sheila didn't hesitate.

She said: "Oh yeah, definitely. I think I heard there's somewhere with miniature llamas or alpacas so we're after them now – it's just something different."

Karen Gillespie, 42, deputy manager at The Orchard added: "I was working as a nurse on that day and the residents' faces all lit up and it was lovely to see.

"It's just an absolute change to the normal routine. Some of the residents quite like their own company, whether that be sitting reading a book or watching TV, so for this to happen is great, and it's amazing to see their reaction."