A popular horse who has been delighting visitors at an animal sanctuary for 30 years has died.

Angel, who was the oldest horse at Margaret Green Animal Rescue, has passed away peacefully aged 31.

Angel was rescued by Margaret Green herself in 1985 and has lived at the charity’s sanctuary in Church Knowle ever since.

In 1985, when Angel was found in a field, she was hardly able to stand and was painfully underweight.

Her body was covered with abrasions and lice and both her legs were badly swollen.

Further tests revealed a significant degree of anaemia, red worm infection and other abnormalities.

Her condition showed evidence of severe neglect and she was quickly brought to Margaret Green Animal Rescue for care and treatment from the dedicated staff and vets.

With the right care and a lot of love, Angel made a full recovery and went on to enjoy 30 very happy years at the sanctuary where she was a favourite with staff, volunteers and visitors.

Angel was loved very much by Margaret Green, who ran the charity for 35 years.

At Christmas in 2009, just days before Margaret sadly passed away, she was ensuring provisions had been made for the delivery of Angel’s Christmas carrots.

Claire Ross, manager at the charity’s Church Knowle Sanctuary, said: “Angel held a very special place in all our hearts and we wish to thank everybody that supported and sponsored her throughout her life at the sanctuary.

“Angel was kind and gentle and brought huge amounts of joy to everybody that met her. She will be missed by us all”.

Angel will be remembered at special events throughout the year as Margaret Green Animal Rescue reaches its 50th anniversary of rescuing and rehoming animals across the south west.