AFTER six decades absence, the sights and sounds of mounted police are returning to Gloucestershire.

The county constabulary is looking back to a bygone era and reverting to the clip clop of iron hooves and the creak of well polished saddle leather.

The new Mounted Division’s launch will be held in Gloucester today, Thursday, March 24.

The unit will be based at stables in the grounds of Highnam Court.

Two horses, Boris and General have been seconded from the Metropolitan Police, both of which have had experiences in working in rural and urban situations.

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: “To re-establish a mounted division after a gap of many decades is quite a task.

“It appears that mounted divisions fell out of favour when motor cars began to be deployed. It seems that in the main they have largely been forgotten about until now.”

The pilot project is expected to cost around £195,000, which includes stabling and start up costs. This annual figure would be reduced if the year-long pilot scheme is adopted during which time it needs to meed certain criteria.

Chief Superintendent Gary Thompson, who will be in charge of the mounted division said: “We’ve been chomping at the bit to get this pilot scheme operational for some time.”

Full story in The Forester on March 30.