A north Suffolk farm has become the new home to two Suffolk Punch horses.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Jayne and John Groom have introduced two Suffolk punch Horses into the area for the first time in 75 years. Charles Aldred with Jayne and John Groom and the horses.Jayne and John Groom have introduced two Suffolk punch Horses into the area for the first time in 75 years. Charles Aldred with Jayne and John Groom and the horses. (Image: © Archant 2014)

The majestic horses, which belong to John and Jayne Groom, arrived at their farm in Mettingham in July and have now settled into their new surroundings.

According to Suffolk stallion leader Charles Aldred of Bungay, who has been working with Suffolk Punches since the age of five, it is the first time in 75 years that Suffolk Punches have lived in the village and possibly in Bungay too.

The two-year-old gelding, named Waylands Gifford, is about 17HH and still growing, while the three-year-old mare Trinity Bea measures 16.3HH.

Mr Groom’s love of horses started 40 years ago when he met Suffolk Punch horse breeder Roger Clark from Stoke-by-Nayland. Forty years later he returned to his farm to buy two Suffolk Punches from him.

He said: “We have a catering and carriages company but we had to retire our horses because one of them had arthritis. So I decided it would be lovely to have a couple of Suffolks.

“I just felt if I wasn’t going to use the horses in my business anymore I would have some for pleasure so we can show him and help preserve the breed with her.

“She will be four next year which is the ideal time to breed her.”

Mr Groom is a Waveney District Councillor for Bungay and also owns a butchers in the town.

He invited Mr Aldred along to his farm see his new arrivals and offer some advice.

Mr Groom said: “They had never been together until they came here. They were kept on the same farm but in different paddocks. But they have really come together well.

“It is lovely to have them here and they will soon become part of the family.”