DARTMOOR Heritage ponies are storming up the pony driving ranks this year and making a real impact on those who see them being driven at events throughout the South of England.

Chagford-based Sue Parrott's Dartmoor ponies Skylark and Stonechat have started competing in British Scurry and Trials Driving (BSTD) competitions.

Held as a main ring attraction at major shows and game fairs around the country, scurry and trials involves singles, pairs, tandems and teams of ponies racing against the clock around a demanding course of scurry 'gates' and driving trials type obstacles.

Sue said: 'It is exciting to watch and great fun to be involved in.

'At our first show in Hampshire in May, Chatty and Lark picked up a very creditable sixth place. They love it all, rising to the occasion every time but still so easy to travel, to handle and — their favourite bit — to be admired and patted by everyone!'

Carole Davenport, the BSTD show organiser, said: 'I can foresee these ponies coming on in leaps and bounds and their temperament and manners were exceptional for their very first show.'