LANCASHIRE Constabulary's oldest, longest serving and "most loved" police horse has made his final patrol before retirement.

Excalibur, who captured the hearts of the public by battling back from an injury and even turned on Brierfield's festive lights two years ago, made his final tour of duty in the town last night.

He is retiring on Friday after 17 years' service and will be re-homed through the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses), based at Penny Farm, Blackpool.

PC Debbie Owen, who took Excalibur, on his last ride and has worked with the horse for three-and-a-half years, said: "He is very, very laid back and good with people.

"He has served the police force so proudly and is probably the best police horse we will see -- certainly in Lancashire.

"He never puts a foot wrong and is very patient. That's why officers training to be mounted police always choose to ride him. I would say he is definitely, even with members of the public, the force's most-loved horse."

In 2003 the 21-year-old grey stallion, also known by his stable name Monty, was injured in a deliberate attack in Brierfield.

He was with his rider in Wood Street when two men on a motorcycle passengers drove at him after police had told them to stop.

Excalibur suffered a deep gash to the leg, which required staples, and he was also left shook up by the incident.

The men were never traced and he was off duty for five weeks, but later returned to Brierfield to turn on its Christmas lights.

Excalibur was eased back into his regular duties, which include patrolling at football matches and public events across the county. He also served the constabulary during the Burnley riots in 2001, helping to disperse crowds.

Despite his age vets had given Excalibur the green light to continue working for another 12 months.

But PC Owen added: "He had already semi-retired and the vet said he could carry on because he is in such good condition for his age, but we thought it would be best to let him take it easy after all the hard work he has done for the constabulary over the last 17 years."

Excalibur made his final patrol with colleague Scorton, ridden by PC Maureen Green.