MEMBERS of the Fell Pony Society from across Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire are to gather today to pay tribute to their patron of 40 years, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11.

The gathering will take place at 4pm this afternoon at St James Church in the village of Stert near Devizes.

It has been organised by Helen Plank, a Wiltshire member of The Fell Pony Society which is based in Appleby, Cumbria.

Sara Bailey, the Society’s local spokesperson, said: “Queen Elizabeth 11 was our patron for 40 years.

“We felt it would be nice to do something in the Wiltshire area to pay our respects to her.”

There will be up to ten fell ponies at the ceremony, which has attracted society members from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

The late Duke of Edinburgh regularly used fell ponies for carriage driving competitions and one of the ponies at this afternoon’s even will be pulling a carriage.

The Fell Pony Society's aim is to foster and keep pure the old breed of pony which has roamed the northern fells for years and to circulate knowledge and general information about the pony breed.

The society said: “It is with deepest sorrow that the Fell Pony Society marks the death of our Sovereign and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen has served as Patron of the Fell Pony Society since 1982. Her love of horses and ponies will be greatly missed.

“We join the wider equestrian community in mourning her loss and we are grateful for her generosity to us during the 40 years of her patronage. We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.”

After the service, the society members will repair to the Sleight Valley Golf Driving Range in Sleight Lane for tea and cakes.