They say you can lead a horse to water but not make it drink and Sparky the two-year-old Shetland pony definitely prefers a pint of Arkell's 3Bs.

He got a taste for the bitter after picking up a half-empty glass in the garden of the pub where he lives just outside Gloucester.

George Arkell, trade director at the Kingsdown Brewery in Stratton was delighted at how much interest Sparky had created.

He said: "This is certainly something different.

"It is clear that Sparky appreciates the fine Wilt-shire grown natural hops taste of 3Bs, I just hope we find more animals enjoying our beers."

Sparky is kept in a paddock next to the Globe Inn at Sandhurst near Gloucester and is owned by landlord Jason Reeves and his wife Sarah.

Sarah's father John Baldwin, 51,explained: "I took him through to the beer garden during the recent hot weather, and I sat down to have a coffee and there was a leftover glass on the floor.

"All of a sudden he picked up the glass in his mouth and started drinking. It was amazing, he really looked as if he was enjoying it.

"When we tried him on other drinks, he turned away, particularly from other lagers and ciders. Now he even likes pork scratchings and is now trying to get into the pub. Customers are now watching their pints to make sure Sparky doesn't take a sudden gulp."

"We thought he might try and drink some while waiting for children to get on the cart, but he's been very well behaved."

Mr Baldwin ensures that Sparky does not drink and drive and only allows him a beer after taking the children for a ride.