SHIRE horses were on their best behaviour when they went on parade in Devizes today before kicking up their heels in delight as they went on holiday.

Max, Monty and Archie were greeted by a throng of wellwishers outside Wadworth Brewery visitor centre and were rewarded with a pint of 6X,

Max, who is traditionally not a fan of the brewery's iconic tipple, turned up his nose but Archie who only joined the gang a couple of years ago is already a convert to the beer and made quick work of the extra drink.

Fans young and old were then allowed to get up close and personal with the trio as they quietly posed for pictures with their handlers Martin and Callum Whittle and Hannah Miller.

Among those watching on were friends Katie Gale with her children Holly and Emily, Sophie Morris with children Ellie and Charlie and Christina O'Brien-Noyse with her son Ollie. Mrs Gale's nephew Ollie also joined in the fun.

Mrs Gale said: "It is our second time. We really enjoyed it last year so decided to come back again. The children really love seeing the horses."

For Mrs Morris, who lives in Devizes, it was her first time at the event but she was glad she made the effort. She said: "It has been really good."

Mrs O'Brien-Noyse, also from Devizes, said: "We see the horses going up and down the road all the time so it was nice to come here to see them up close."

The giant horses were later put in their horse box and taken by road to Bulkington where they will spend the next two weeks in a field owned by brewery chairman Charles Bartholomew.

A number of people made the trip with the horses to the field, which is not usually open to the public, to see the horses enjoy their well earned freedom.

They cantered around and put on a show much to the excitement of the crowd. They will be back on the streets of Devizes later in the month.