Best kept Secret: human awards scheme recognises tiny pony with ‘unique gift’

Organisers of an awards scheme honouring human volunteers had so many nominations for a pony’s dedication, they sent her a special certificate – and are considering an animal category next year.

SAVs, a council for voluntary services, awarded the certificate of nomination to Secret, a Shetland from Silverbirch Animal Therapy CIC in Leigh on Sea, Essex.

The eight-year-old mare lives at the farm, the main aim of which is to offer an alternative to mainstream education to young people who are not in school or college...