Four-legged friends take time out at sunset

This stunning photograph, taken by Lancashire Mounted Police, show police horses Caton and Gisburn on the Promenade – watching the sun go down, while in patrol in the resort.

The horses from the mounted branch help out at all sorts of busy events in the town, including football matches, protests and parades. They also provide high visibility presence and assist at a variety of incidents on patrol – ranging from domestic violence to anti-social behaviour.

Lancashire Police Mounted Branch has 18 horses, all living at police stables.

Each horse is named after a Lancashire town.

The younger horses, which are around four years old, have just started their training and spend most of their time in the branch’s riding school.

Each horse wears its own “suit of armour”, including head shields and shin pads for protection.