AS a keeper of Dartmoor ponies I would like to record my thanks to Tavistock auctioneers Ward and Chowen for holding the annual drift sale on Friday September 30.

In the current economic climate when the purchase of ponies can rarely be viewed as other than luxury rather than essential expenditure, expectations were not high.

Even with the vast majority of the 175 lots selling, it is unlikely that the exercise can have been anything other than a loss making event for the auctioneers.

It is for this reason that I personally am very grateful to Ward and Chowen for continuing to offer this vital service to the farming and pony keeping community of Dartmoor.

Mrs Philippa Hughes

Widecombe in the Moor