THE centre of Devizes is a little less colourful this week after its four most famous residents left for their annual holiday.

Royal, Buscot, Harry and Wilt, the Wadworth dray horses who deliver the brewery's ales for 50 weeks of the year, are given their freedom for two weeks every summer to kick their heels and romp in the sun in fields owned by former company chairman, Major John Bartholomew, in Poulshot.

He reintroduced the dray horses in 1974 after half a century's absence. In addition to their daily deliveries in the town, the horses are the stars at fetes, fairs and county shows throughout the West Country.

After 28 years, the horses still remain firm favourites among townsfolk and visitors alike, and many fans go down to Poulshot to see them enjoy those first precious moments of freedom.