In its 175th anniversary year, Hook Norton brewery in Oxfordshire has welcomed a young shire horse to its working team.

The brewery is one of only three, alongside Wadworth and Samuel Smith, in the country to still have working delivering shire horses.

The new recruit Cromwell (above), a rising two-year-old bay joins the workforce from a breeder in Lincolnshire.

Head coachman Nicholas Carter said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our latest addition to the team, this young horse caught my eye back in October, and after watching his progress we looked to purchase him this February.

“He’s a remarkable colour match to our other horses and with his inquisitive and friendly nature I look forward to a promising future with him.

“It’s also a bold statement from our team of directors that our shire horses are valued team members and will continue to remain a prominent part of the brewery’s future for years to come.”

Hooky currently has three shires, 25-year-old retired Nelson plus five-year-olds Brigadier and Balmoral. The horses live onsite in the original 1894 stable block which is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday with the horses enjoying their days off on Monday and Tuesday in the surrounding fields.

Cromwell is now in the stables ready to meet the public and will spend the next two years greeting visitors, competing at shows and visiting the brewery’s pubs, before being trained to drive once he turns four.

The horses have more than 75 public engagements every year, including competitions, demonstrations, fetes and television work.

Hook Norton has also released the second beer in its 175th anniversary beer range - 175 Gold. The 7.5 per cent ABV strong ale has subtle notes of orange and grapefruit.

Hook Norton MD James Clarke said: “As a brewery, we are nothing without pubs within which to serve our beer. 175 Gold celebrates all of the pubs that we have worked with over the years.”