CARE home residents have been treated to a visit by a tiny therapy horse.

Residents and staff at Milford House Care Home in Salisbury fell in love with Mr Kelloggs the therapy horse when he paid them a visit recently.

Mr Kelloggs, who is nine years old and stands at just 29 inches high, is described as the sweetest, gentlest character who has been visiting and bringing smiles and joy wherever he goes since he was 6 months old.

Mr Kelloggs looked rather spruce with a beautifully brushed mane, plait and wearing his little boots, as he toured Milford House with his handlers, meeting the many residents.

Gemma Hicks, general manager at Milford House, said: "What a special afternoon this was. Mr Kelloggs was a delight and the residents responded to his relaxed and gentle demeanor and couldn't get enough of him.

"It was wonderful to see the way that he was able to bring a smile to faces and lifted the spirits of everyone he visited and, being so small, he was able to interact with everyone and tour the home with ease.

"Animals are always hugely popular visitors to Milford House and give a real boost to overall well-being and Mr Kelloggs and his support team were just superb.

"Residents and staff haven't stopped talking about the afternoon and we are already trying to see when he can come again."

One resident commented “What a treat that was, Mr Kelloggs was just so sweet and looked so adorable in his bootees and I loved his gorgeous long mane. I hope he comes again very soon.”

Milford House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Milford House provides nursing, residential care and respite care.