Royal Stoke: Scrumpy the pony spreads festive cheer at hospital

Scrumpy toured departments including A&E, maternity and children's wards.

A Shetland pony called Scrumpy visited patients at a Stoke-on-Trent hospital, to provide some festive cheer for patients and staff.

The pony toured departments including A&E, maternity and children's wards at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Diane Adamson, an emergency medicine consultant who organised Wednesday's visit, said the pony had brought "absolute delight" to everyone.

"One little girl was dancing on the spot with joy," she said.

Dr Adamson, who rides horses semi-professionally, thought the visit would work well because "horses and ponies are really good therapy animals."

She worked with Ethos, a horse bedding company in Shropshire, to arrange the visit.

Dr Adamson, who is also a divisional medical director at the hospital, was particularly keen to set up a treat for hospital staff, at a time of year when they are working extremely hard.

She said she ensured that Scrumpy visited other parts of the hospital where staff can feel "hidden", such as the pharmacy.

Dressed as a Christmas elf, Scrumpy proved to be a huge hit with staff and patients of all ages.

An elderly man in A&E told Dr Adamson it was the first time he had smiled all day.