A FED-up farmer who packed in his job to find a new life on the road has been left stranded in Worcester after being targeted by thieves.

But Dewi Huws says he has been heartened by the "excellent" Lower Wick community, which has rallied around him and his horse Clyde since the theft of his harness and driving equipment.

"Pubs, walkers and a fast food stall have all helped to try and change our fortunes," he said.

"Walkers have been bringing carrots for Clyde, the local pub has helped us out and the burger stall just down the road his given me water and food for the horse.

"Apart from the person who stole my equipment, the police and people of Worcester have been excellent."

Recently divorced Mr Huws sold his farm in North Wales four months ago, at the height of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The 43-year-old former sheep and cattle farmer - known as Pepsi - bought the Appallosa horse and a Romany caravan and was travelling towards Stratford-upon-Avon to start a new life when the thieves struck.

He and Clyde were resting off Malvern Road to allow the horse's shoulder, which had become sore, to heal and to have his hooves shod.

After a shopping trip, Mr Huws returned to find the driving harnesses for the caravan, rope, and other equipment valued at £2,000 had been stolen.

Since then, he and Clyde have been stranded, although the horse, who stands at 16.2 hands, has struck out on his own after someone left a gate open and he was found munching flowers in a nearby gardens.

"It has always been an ambition of my life to travel by horse-drawn caravan and hopefully with the help I've received I'll soon be back on the road," said Mr Huws.

The Maple Leaf pub, off Canada Way, is appealing for anyone who may have spare riding equipment to come to the rescue.

Anyone who may be able to help can contact pub landlady Bev Hartley on 01905 421446.