One of Cumbria's top family attractions has announced that a popular team member has died.

Bosses at Walby Farm Park, near Carlisle, say that they have made the "heart-wrenching" decision to have Mollie, their Clydesdale horse put to sleep.

Mollie had been a fixture at the farm since they opened in July 2008 but retired from public life this summer.

She was one the most well-liked parts of the park with people taking to social media to show their sadness at the "Walby icon's" passing.

The full statement reads: "It is with sad, sad hearts that we have to tell you that after a short retirement we have had to make the heart-wrenching decision to have Mollie, our Clydesdale horse, put to sleep.

"We desperately did not want her to suffer and this was the kindest act. We all loved her dearly."

It adds: "Mollie was born in 1996 and came to Walby from Ireland in April 2008. She has been the biggest part of Walby Farm Park, literally, since we opened our doors to you all in July 2008.

"During the summer of 2017, Mollie retired from public life at Walby Farm Park.

"She was enjoying a quiet retirement, with her companion pony, Beetle. Beetle will miss her, as will all of her other animal friends.

"She always had her eye on the goings on in the animal barn and out in the paddock and especially, where the next meal was coming from.

"Thank you to our dedicated livestock team who have looked after her, day in and day out over the last nine-and-a-half years – a big support team, more recently Vicky and Daniel but the hugest thanks to Shosh, Nick and Jenna, who have steadfastly and faithfully given their time to giving her the best of care.

"Nick and Katie were there at the end with a very professional Amy, from Craig Robinson Vets and our old friend Ronnie. It’s a sad day for us all."