A PENSIONER who has bred Shetland ponies for much of his life has been left heartbroken by the theft of one of his favourite animals.

Richie Dixon, 71, said Suzie, who was taken from a field at Morrison Busty, Ann-field Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, was of special sentimental value.

He said: "Her mother, Daisy, was the star of a series of Cinderella pantomimes throughout the region when she was a three-year-old.

"She was the last one of the 30-year-old mare's and was one of the best in the field."

Mr Dixon, of Annfield Plain, said the thieves struck last Thursday and could have taken Suzie away in a car, as she was so small.

She had been grazing in a field with 17 other ponies at the time.

Mr Dixon said a family member had spotted three men, who had what were thought to be Bishop Auckland accents, chasing the animals on Thursday. A silver Montego was parked nearby.

He said: "Suzie was very quiet. They could have easily have walked up to her and taken hold of her and walked her away.

"She had a particular place in my heart. I would never have parted with her."

Mr Dixon said he had kept Shetlands since his father took him to Aberdeen when he was six years old and bought him a little black and white pony.

He said: "I sell them mainly as pets. Some people buy them to keep bigger horses company in the field or to graze their lawns."

Suzie was described as being six years old, black and white, and 30in high.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365 or Mr Dixon on (01207) 235280.