Fifteen miniature Shetland ponies have been offered new homes after an appeal on BBC regional television.

They had faced uncertain futures after their owner - who runs a Cornish animal shelter - developed cancer.

Hundreds of calls were made to a horse welfare charity after the appeal.

Now staff at South West Equine Protection must carry out visits to callers' homes to check they are suitable.

Pony sale

Some of the horses had been rescued after suffering ill-treatment.

The owner of the horses, who wanted to remain anonymous, decided to close the sanctuary after developing throat cancer.

She also has 50 hens and 50 pigeons.

The appeal for new homes for the horses came only a few months after animal lovers went to the rescue of Dartmoor ponies.

People travelled from across Britain to buy ponies that were being sold for as little as 50p each at traditional sales.