A VOLUNTARY group that promotes the importance of New Forest ponies has been handed a grant so it can continue its work.

Hampshire County Council has agreed to help fund the New Forest Pony Publicity Group by awarding it £4,000.

The money will go towards the group's work to raise the profile and value of the local ponies. It will be spent on an educational weekend, promotional literature and making a DVD on New Forest stallions, which the group plans to sell to raise further funds.

Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of the county council, said: "I hope this grant will help the New Forest Pony Publicity Group continue its valuable work promoting our native ponies."

The group was formed in 2001 because breeders were failing to achieve market prices that reflected ponies' true value.