FARMER Tom Walne spoke of his pride today after helping to bring another Suffolk Punch foal into the world.Whitton Violet was born at 8.45pm on Friday at Walnut Tree Farm, in Old Norwich Road, Ipswich.

FARMER Tom Walne spoke of his pride today after helping to bring another Suffolk Punch foal into the world.

Whitton Violet was born at 8.45pm on Friday at Walnut Tree Farm, in Old Norwich Road, Ipswich.

Mr Walne said the birth had gone without a hitch and both the new arrival and mum Daisy are doing well.

He said: "It delivered itself really.

"We were away at the time, so I asked my son Jim if he could keep an eye on things. There weren't any problems.

"She was up within half an hour of being born and was suckling soon after. We had the vet out to give her an anti-tetanus jab but everything's fine."

Mr Walne has already found a home for Whitton Violet, at Blakenham Farms, Nettlestead, where she will be looked after by his friend John Latham.

Mr Latham said: "This is something I've always wanted.

"I've been looking forward to this for years. We were with Tom at the Eastern Harriers Hunt Supporters Club mouse racing night in Wickham Market when she was born.

"Tom was about to open the night when his son rang to let him know. We were delighted and came back to see her at 11pm on Friday."

The name Violet was chosen by Mr Latham in memory of a horse he had when he was younger.

Mr Walne said Whitton was added to the name to ensure she retains a link with the area.

Currently, there are around 300 Suffolk Punches in existence, with around 60 breeding mares.

Daisy, mum of Whitton Violet, is one of three horses born to Girty. Her sister, Poppy, was presented to the Queen last year, while her brother, Whitton George, is currently at a farm in west Suffolk.

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