IT'S a well-known fact that the pub is often the hub of a community - a centrepoint for social activities and the place to catch up on local news over a pint and a bite to eat.

That was just the sort of role Phil Lowther and Carole Wreford expected when they took over the Mason's Arms at Eastby almost two-and-a-half years ago.

But it recently became clear their role was to be even more involved when Carole's livery stables skills were put to good use.

Late one Sunday evening she answered a call from farming neighbour Andrew Ayrton.

His wife Louise's shetland pony had gone into foal just before midnight while she was away at a christening celebration.

Despite delivering hundreds of his pedigree Holstein cattle at Hawbank Farm, a shetland pony was a first for Andrew, but old hat for Carole who owned a livery yard in Windsor, just prior to her move to the Dales.

Carole went along to help and found herself acting as midwife as Andrew stepped out for a few minutes to get a camera.

"Fortunately the birth was very straight forward and mum Lishy produced a beautiful Shetland colt. Louise arrived home in time to see the foal take its first steps.

"He was so tiny that he could walk underneath his mum, but has grown a lot in the three weeks since his birth," said a delighted Carole.

Both Lishy and her as yet unnamed baby are doing well.