A SHIRE horse centre in mid Cheshire is one of only two in the country to have been given an official seal of approval.

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre has been officially acknowledged as an approved shire horse centre after receiving confirmation from the Shire Horse Society.

The centre, run by Janet and Alistair King, was granted its new status following a visit from the society’s secretary, David Ralley-Davies, who was impressed by Cotebrook’s visitor facilities, and commitment to preserving the shire horse.

He came up with the idea of nationally approved centres as a mark of excellence for those involved in the education of the historic breed.

Janet King said: “The Shire Horse Society is a fabulous charity dedicated to protecting the shire horse, as are we, and it’s a great honour to be considered one of their few official centres.

“We’re really pleased the hard work we have put in over the last few years has been recognised.”

Cotebrook is located on the A49 near Tarporley and is the only working stud-farm in the UK open to the public.

It has successfully bred some of the top shires in the world over the past few years.

Members of the Shire Horse Society can receive free entry to the centre.