CALLINGTON was treated to the rare sight of police officers on horseback last Wednesday to promote high visibility policing.

The officers, from the mounted section of Avon and Somerset Police, spent an hour with children from Callington Primary School and Callington Community College at Saltash Road Recreation Ground before patrolling around the town centre.

The horses, Cabot, Brandon, Monty and Brunel, are among the 13 owned and trained by Avon and Somerset Police — the only constabulary in the West Country with a mounted section.

Horses are used in areas and at events where high-profile patrols are needed, for intelligence-led policing and in high crime and inner city areas. The mounted section also works with other forces where its services are needed at rallies, parades and football matches.

Police officer Helen Watkins said the visit to Callington was an opportunity to engage with the public and show some high-profile policing: 'What is more visible than a ton of horse wearing yellow?' she said.

Response officer at Callington and competent horsewoman PC Jenny Williams was delighted to have the chance to ride one of the horses. She is pictured here with PC John Green from the Avon and Somerset Mounted Section, Callington officers Sgt Brett Phillips and PCSO Mark Stribley and local children.