A MINIATURE horse cheered up elderly patients at Southend Hospital as part of their therapy.

The tiny, white, American miniature horse, named Applause, trotted onto both Windsor and Princess Anne Wards at the Trust.

Claire Buckell, clinical development nurse, said: “Any change to the daily routine for people who are unwell can really make a difference and Applause has had such a fantastic positive impact on everyone he has met.

“He has been the ‘mane’ talking point of the day.”