The search continues for new owners who can provide some tender loving care to a severely neglected pony - despite a flood of offers from animal lovers.

Sweetpea is being nursed back to health by the Blue Cross in Burford after she was discovered abandoned in Enstone.

The grey mare spent four days in intensive care on a drip with bad neck injuries, a sore eye, acute sunburn on her nose and cuts above the eyes and hip.

Her plight has touched the hearts of animal lovers in Oxfordshire and the Blue Cross equine centre has received many calls from people wanting to give her a happy home.

But Joe Harter, manager of the Blue Cross's equine centre, said they are still looking for the right person.

He said: "Because she has had such a bad experience she needs a particular type of home.

"We want somebody who is able to cope with her special needs and can give her some TLC."

He said Sweetpea was slowly regaining her trust in humans and her health was improving.

She was so terrified when she was found that a vet had to use a dart gun to sedate her before she could be captured.

She was taken to the Blue Cross, which immediately arranged for expert care.

Mr Harter said: "She is still recovering but her physical condition is stable.

"She is particularly nervous around men and we are working on that."

He added: "Not only have we got Sweetpea, but we've got about 20 horses and ponies who are ready to be rehomed." The centre can also take in people's horses for rehoming.

Anyone who can provide a home for Sweetpea, or any of the other horses or ponies at the Burford Equine centre, should call 01993 822454, email equine@bluecross.org.uk or visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk.