One of the nation's favourite actors, John Nettles, is the guest of honour at this year’s Mare and Foal Sanctuary Open Day.

It’s the biggest fundraising event of the year for the charity and is being held over an entire weekend for the first time.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 at the charity’s Coombe Park Visitor Centre near Totnes.

John said: "There's always so much going on and it's a great way for the charity to show the wonderful things they do for the region's horses and ponies.

"The Sanctuary is very close to my heart and it's lovely to be able to help celebrate the biggest event in its calendar."

The charity’s Well Horse, Well Rider day will be a must for all horse lovers, with experts on hand to help with everything from nutrition to tack issues, behaviour to worming.

There will be rider Pilates and a special Rider Relax multi-sensory pod, to help with all those aches, pains and stresses, as well as Sanctuary experts explaining how the charity cares for its rescued horses and ponies.

Patron John Nettles will be at the Family Fun Day on Sunday which will have something for everyone, including live music, great local food and drink and a raft of great entertainment.

From pony displays and dog agility to the adorable duck herding sheepdog trial, nature trails, the Coombe Park Bug Hunt, arts and crafts stalls, lots of taster sessions and a fun packed programme of activities for the little ones.

It is all set to be a weekend to remember.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts.