A special tea party is to be thrown next week to celebrate the 40th birthday of a well loved pony.

Around 80 guests will enjoy a cream tea at the farm where he lives, with Prospero tucking into a carrot cake next Saturday.

Prospero, who has retired from giving children rides, is owned by Rosemary Monaghan, 63, and her husband Paul, 68, of Booth House Farm, Denholme.

Rosemary said: "People in Denholme all know him. We originally bought him from a girl who outgrew him in Bingley.

"We've had him for 22 years and he was about 17 when he came, so we know he's coming up to 40."

She added: "There were three girls who shared him at the beginning, including our daughter Sarah, but he always lived at our farm."

Lots of local schoolchildren used to visit the Monaghan's farm over the years and if they stayed a whole day, they got to ride Prospero.

Rosemary, who will also host a fun treasure hunt on the day, added: "We're having a party with all his friends -- both past and present. We will put a display of photos up and also some drawings that children have sent of him from the past.

"I may ask a friend to bring a younger pony up for rides too."

Since retiring from giving rides ,Prospero these days and spends most days lazily wandering in his fields.

Rosemary added: "He's so old that he can't eat properly now.

"He can't chew properly so we have to buy in special food.

"He's like an old man but I think he's had a very good life with lots of love and lots of care.

"He's just been very well loved and given a lot of pleasure to so many people.

"The term to use is 'bomb proof' -- a pony who you can let little children near -- he's so gentle.

Katherine Gilbert, of the British Horse Society, applauded Prospero for reaching such a landmark age.

She said: "The average age for ponies and horses is about 30. Forty is a good age, although we have known some to live to 45-50 but very few.

"It is quite an achievement for his owner."

Prospero is now cared for by local woman Sarah Quayle, 19, and Charlotte Austin, 19.