A HORSE whose life story has been made into an award-winning movie, and the president of the Countryside Alliance were VIP guests at the launch of a new Minehead equine clinic on Saturday.

Retired racehorse Dream Alliance, trained by Bilbrook's Philip Hobbs, joined Baroness Ann Mallalieu, Mr Hobbs and his wife Sarah at the opening of White Lodge Veterinary Clinic's farm and equine treatment centre.

Vet and equine specialist Philip Browne said: "Baroness Mallalieu officially declared our new farm and equine veterinary clinic open.

"In the afternoon the crowds turned out to see our new premises and meet Dream Alliance.

"We were delighted that such an esteemed thoroughbred could join us for our launch event

"He is a big star in racing circles and has also received lots of recognition for his 'rags to riches' rise to fame.

"He has appeared in national newspapers and on the TV news in the past and also just this month."

Dream Alliance was reared on an allotment near the town of Blackwood in South Wales and went on to win one of the biggest races in the country – the Welsh Grand National.

His remarkable tale has been turned into a documentary film – Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance - which was released in UK cinemas earlier this month.

The new White Lodge Farm and Equine Veterinary Clinic has been built from scratch over the last eight months near the Ellicombe roundabout in Minehead.

Baroness Mallalieu said: "From a little old pony to the finest race horse, the care standard that White Lodge vets provide is the same for all. This is a marvellous new facility."

The site was opened to the general public for free in the afternoon and the event included the chance to see Jersey calves, Jacob lambs, a show-winning miniature American horse and two large shire horses.

Philip Hobbs said: "It is great for West Somerset in general to have such a brilliant facility and for us in particular to care for and treat our racehorses."

Drug and feed reps were also on hand to offer lots of complimentary advice and the team from White Lodge gave guided tours of the new facilities and hosted displays.

The clinic already has practices in Williton and Minehead and works with 'all creatures great and small', from small pets to farm breeds to horses and even zoo animals.

Mr Browne added: "I came to the practice in 1973 and we've come a long way in 40-odd years.

"We started in a back shed at Bill West's house in Stogumber and now we've developed this fabulous facility for West Somerset.

"Today we're well and truly on the care map."