The rise to stardom of Patrick the pony

It’s not often that you get the chance to meet a local celebrity and so when the opportunity arose I jumped at the chance.
I need to put things into context. It was not one of those fancy meet and greets where you pay extra to shake hands and pose for a photo before the mega star takes to the stage. No, this was much more low key, but equalling fulfilling.
The event had been set up by our friends at the Co-Op who have been very generous to Torbay Hospital Radio through their Local Community Fund, which supports projects across the UK, where every time members buy selected goods, they give a percentage to local causes just like us.
Now I know you are impatient to find out who the local celeb is, so I’ll get right to it. We gathered just outside the Chelston branch of the Co-op on a beautiful, if crisp morning, a variety of groups represented who are part of the fund waiting for the arrival of the star of the show. Clearly it’s a PR opportunity for all the groups but really no one was thinking about that, as a few photos were taken.
Then a small van pulled up into the car park following a short drive from Cockington. The back of the van open, a ramp put in place and Patrick the  pony appeared, and he certainly lived up to his billing as a very special  pony, with a lovely temperament. He was impeccably behaved, beautifully turned out and he posed for endless photos without a neigh or a snort of complaint.
If you have not heard about Patrick, he is nationally famous for a variety of reasons. After a petition by local villagers, Patrick made history in Cockington by becoming the country’s first pony mayor. And I have been advised that he has on occasion been seen in the Drum Inn having a crafty Guinness. But this affable miniature Shetland pony has more reigns to his saddle.
Patrick has been to Torbay Hospital where he acts as a therapy animal, with patients enjoying spending time with him, in fairness he does not say a lot but he is an excellent listener and cute with it. He even has a book out on how he became Mayor which I imagine will be a hit with kids.
Talking of hits, last Christmas saw a song about Patrick released, the video is still available if you want a listen. It did not quite reach the dizzy heights of the top of the charts but it’s a lovely little listen, a great distraction from all the usual Christmas songs we are all familiar with.
I think we all enjoyed our time with the little pony. Neigh hooray for Patrick, I say.