An elderly Shetland pony injured in the recent storms has lost an eye.

Arthur, a resident at Anim-Mates animal sanctuary in St Mary Hoo, was injured by a fallen branch that came down during the high winds before Christmas.

Carer Teresa Bloomfield said: “We think Arthur caught his head on one. As soon as we discovered his eye had been injured he was rushed to an equine vet.”

A week of intensive treatments failed to save Arthur’s eye and he had to undergo a two-hour operation to have it removed.

Now back at the sanctuary in Shakespeare Farm Road, Arthur is on stable rest and needs his dressing renewed every few days.

Anim-Mates took Arthur in many years ago when he was in danger of being slaughtered. Elderly ponies can often run up expensive vet bills and his owner decided to get rid of him.

The charity, which looks after more than 100 animals, has set up Arthur’s Fund to help pay for his treatment.

Once he is fully recovered he will return to the field and shelter that he shares with other Shetland ponies and horses in the lifetime care of Anim-Mates.

Teresa added: “Arthur may be elderly, but he still has plenty of life left in him.”

• Donations to Arthur’s Fund can be made at www.anim-mates.org.uk