THIS brave horse was rescued from a Worcester roadside with horrific leg injuries and no food or water.

The piebald pony, now named Keith, has won over the hearts of his rescuers, who are hopeful he will make a full recovery.

Keith had been tied to a fence on Pershore Road near Sixways Stadium, with no food or water and the tether around his neck dangerously tight.

When he was found on Wednesday last week (April 8) a severe wound on his hind right leg had been left to fester for about two weeks , according to the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity has now launched a campaign to help fund Keith's care.

RSPCA chief inspector Lee Hopgood said: "It is so sad to see any animal abandoned and when they are so sweet natured it beggars belief how anyone could do it, especially when they are in pain and need help.

"We are keen to locate Keith's owner, or the people responsible for his care.

"Keith is such a gentle soul and really deserves looking after.

"We don’t know how he got the wound on his leg but it is serious and we are now appealing to the equine community to assist us in rallying round to help with his care.

"We estimate his treatment and boarding is going to cost us somewhere between £3,000 and £4,000 so any help we can receive we would be very grateful for."

Vets treating Keith are pleased with the progress he has made and hopeful he will recover fully.

Veterinary surgeon Claire Brown, of Clent Hills Veterinary Group in Bromsgrove, said: "This is a very serious wound, and when it happened he was very lucky not to have damaged any major structures such as the joint, we are hopeful that he will react well to treatment.

"He is a sweet, well mannered pony, so fingers crossed."

Anyone wanting to donate towards Keith’s care should call 0300 123 0346 or visit campaign.justgiving.com/charity/rspcahq/keiththecolt/.

If anyone has information about Keith or where he came from, they are urged to call the RSPCA Inspector Appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1999/7/4/15.