A BELOVED animal that has called a local farm her home for almost three decades has passed away. 

Shetland pony Gwinny had called Roves Farm in Sevenhampton near Swindon her home for nearly 30 years, and has delighted thousands of families during that time as one of its more permanent features. 

But on Wednesday, April 19, the farm made a heartfelt post on its Facebook page announcing that Gwinny had died the day before. 

The post explained that the poor pony had been getting more and more unwell, leaving the farm with no choice but to end her suffering. 

The full post on the Roves Farm Facebook page said: "Some sad news to share with you this morning.

"Many of you will know Gwinny our Shetland pony. Sadly due to ill health, the hard decision was made to put her to sleep yesterday.

"It’s always hard losing an animal, Gwinny had been part of the Roves family for nearly 30 years and will be very much missed."

The post received hundreds of reactions, with several commenting to offer their condolences to the staff at the farm for their loss.