SIX Exmoor Ponies have been released on North Hill, Minehead, as part of a conservation grazing scheme.

Now the park authority is appealing to residents for their co-operation and help.

Farm liaison officer Kate West said: "We would be very grateful if people would make sure that they shut the gates and don't let their dogs chase the ponies.

"If anyone living in the area would be willing to help us keep an eye on the ponies, we would be glad to hear from them."

The scheme, part-funded by English Nature, aims to improve the quality of coastal heath vegetation by allowing the ponies to graze.

Photo: Ben Duncan.