AN anonymous complaint led to a Preston pensioner being banned for keeping horses for five years.

Edward Eccles, 71, received the ban for causing unnecessary suffering to a horse he owned.

Eccles, of Middleforth Green, Penwortham, was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the same mare last year by magistrates.

The complaint was made to the headquarters of the ILPH -- International League for the Protection of Horses. Chris Williamson, field officer for the organisation in the North West, visited a field at the rear of a residential property in Garstang Road, Fulwood, on July 9, 2001, following the tip-off.

He discovered a horse called Tammy, a 15 hand high, eight-year-old chestnut, with untreated sores along its back, up its neck and over its face caused by rubbing as a result of a condition known as "sweet itch".

He said: "I was appalled at the condition she was in, knowing Eccles had been in court the previous year for the same offence. Despite this he allowed her to suffer this year by not treating the condition and letting her again get into such a sorry state."

RSPCA inspector Kath Mayberry said: "It's sad this horse had to suffer twice before it was recognised by the court that Eccles was not a suitable owner. Now she can remain in the hands of the ILPH for the rest of her life."

Tammy was taken to the ILPH's Penny Farm, the recovery and rehabilitation centre at Peel, near Blackpool, where her condition was treated.

Eccles was also fined £250 with £750 costs when he appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 2.