Pony appointed mayor of UK village - and he even enjoys a pint of beer

A beer-drinking pony, who enjoys a pint and lives in a pub, has been appointed mayor of a village in Devon.

Many of us wonder about the competence of our local politicians at times, but the people of Cockington in Devon knew exactly what they were getting when they made Patrick the pony mayor.

Miniature Shetland Patrick was frequently spotted at his local pub, where he enjoys his favourite tipple, an Irish stout.

The landlord of the village pub - the Drum - even has a special corner of the bar for Patrick to enjoy the occasional slurp.

Patrick's fame came after owner Kirk Petrakis took him to The Drum Inn to try and socialize him for his therapy work during the pandemic, reports Devon Live.

Kirk Petrakis, 42, said his four-hoofed friend stands calmly at the bar at the Drum Inn to enjoy his daily tipple of Guinness. It even has a carrot as his pub snack of choice (SWNS)

He now spends much of his time visiting hospitals, recovery groups, mental health wards, specialised schools and even wakes.

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for Patrick to be appointed mayor of Cockington, Devon.

It followed the death of unofficial mayor Don Mills in 2019.

Patrick has now been made the unofficial “Mayor” of Cockington, near Torquay.

Supporters started a tongue-in-cheek online petition to make the little Shetland pony the ceremonial “Mayor” of Cockington, and his owners Kirk and Hannah Petrakis made him a special chain of office. The bespoke chain comes complete with lights and Purple Poppy emblem.

The miniature Shetland was presented his Mayor chain by local councillor Andrew Barrand.

Local MP Kevin Foster also came to support the day along with local residents.

Patrick has become a well-known local celebrity and a regular at the village pub (SWNS)

Kirk said: “We think Patrick The Pony has made history by becoming the first pony Mayor in the UK.”

Patrick hasn’t made an acceptance speech himself though, because he is a little horse.

Patrick is already the official mascot for The War Horse Memorial, and has helped raise thousands of pounds for equine charities. He is also the official mascot for Devon Recovery Learning Community, supporting people with mental health and recovery.

The therapy pony is also an ambassador for the Purple Poppy organisation which recognises the sacrifice of animals in wartime.

It is not believed that his new Civic office will give the little pony any formal powers.