A POLICE horse whose duties have ranged from the Burnley riots to a parade for the Queen at Windsor Castle is hanging up his reins.

Scorton, a brown gelding, is one of Lancashire's oldest serving police horses at the ripe old age of 21.

He joined the force in February 2000 and was out on patrol during the Burnley riots in 2001.

He also represented Lancashire at the Queen's Golden Jubilee horse parade at Windsor Castle.

His final duties over the past few weeks have involved policing Burnley's promotion campaign and taking to the streets of Blackpool —- with his final turnout being at the Blackburn Rovers versus West Bromwich Albion football match at Ewood Park.

Police horses are named using a 'car registration plate system,' using monikers of Lancashire places.

All horses purchased in 2000 were given names beginning with the letter S - Scorton takes his name from the picturesque village on the edge of the Trough of Bowland.

He has now been rehomed at the Leyland farm of his current stable hand Louise Davenport, who will continue to look after him through the World Horse Welfare Charity scheme.

She said: " I have been working with Scorton for over four years and the way he responds to visitors, especially children is an absolute pleasure.

“He has been a fantastic police horse throughout his service and it is an honour to give him the long and happy retirement he deserves.

Jeanette Taylor, from Lancashire Constabulary's mounted branch, said: "Scorton has been an absolute treasure over the years we have had him.

“He's been a very good operational horse carrying out a variety of duties from football to day to day patrols.

“We certainly hope he enjoys his retirement and enjoy the summer months with the sunshine on his back."