Hospital rocking horse retires after half a century

The rocking horse has been renamed Alfonso by six-year-old Jack from Sandhurst

A rocking horse that entertained children at the Royal Surrey County Hospital for more than 50 years has been given a new name and a new home.

Six-year-old Jack, from Sandhurst, won the competition to choose the rocking horse's new name - Alfonso - seeing off more than 50 other entries.

The horse has been donated to Guildford Museum for its Playtime! exhibition, a hands-on showcase of vintage toys and games, which runs until 11 April.

Tom Hunt, Guildford Borough Council's deputy leader, said Alfonso's arrival was "a wonderful example of how we can preserve and share stories from our community".

He added: "The rocking horse holds decades of memories for local families.

"We're pleased to welcome this new addition to our museum collection and we know Alfonso will continue to bring smiles to children for years to come."

The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust said Alfonso, previously in the children's outpatients department, has a special place in the hearts of children who knew it.

"So many local people have fond memories of the rocking horse from their time at the hospital," a spokesperson said.

"With so much history, we are delighted it will now be preserved and enjoyed by our local community at Guildford Museum."