A REAL-life war horse with a Worcester connection has been made the hero of a new children's book.

The Worcester News reported in 2012 how Barry and Marion Main of Bromwich Road responded to the advent of Steven Spielberg's War Horse by recalling Mr Main's father and his horse.

Troop Sergeant Bert Main and his faithful steed Songster, had a story as gripping as the plot of any film.

Songster was one of thousands of war horses deployed to the frontline during the First World War.

Fortunately, Songster escaped the horrific fate awaiting many of his four-legged and two-legged comrades and was even awarded medals for his service to his regiment.

While much of Songster’s four years at war remains a mystery, what is clear is how highly his commanders thought of him as he was among only a handful of horses returned to the UK.

And Sgt Main was so taken with his steed, he bought Songster and another former war horse from an auction in London and stabled him at West Beacon Farm in Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire.

One day in 1920, he surprised a passing troop of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, who were marching to camp and passed Songster’s field.

at the sound of the bugle, he leapt over a 5ft fence and approached them.

They decided to take him to camp with them and then did so every year until 1935.

When he died in January 1940, he was buried in the field where he grazed.

Now author Alison Mott and illustrator Liz Waddell have published Songster: Loughborough's Own War Horse, retelling the story for children.

Mary Baird of the town's Carillon Museum said: "It's a really moving story, and it deserves to be remembered, so we are glad that Alison and Liz have turned it into a book fro new generations to enjoy."