A Devon auction centre is holding its first sale of Dartmoor ponies since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

The ponies are being sold to prevent overcrowding on the moor, which could lead to serious animal welfare problems as winter sets in.

The Tavistock Livestock Centre only got permission to hold the auction last week.

This was after work was carried out at the centre to help it meet welfare and hygiene standards to prevent the spread of diseases such as foot-and-mouth.

'Good news'

In the past, some of the animals have been sold for as little as �1.

Half of this year's Dartmoor pony sales were cancelled, mostly because of foot-and-mouth animal movement restrictions which were brought in following the outbreak of the virus in February.

Sale organisers have had inquiries from all over the country from both private dealers and animal sanctuaries.

John Weir, from Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: "It's all good news. The signs are there is a market for ponies."