THE Queen has given her royal seal of approval to Avon and Somerset Police's latest four-legged recruit.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II met the most recent horse to join the force's mounted team today (March 28).

The steed was named Windsor during the Queen's visit to Bruton in East Somerset.

The seven-year-old black gelding, which stands at 17 hands high, has been with the force for the past nine months, undergoing specialist training.

His rider and trainer is PC Kath Pitman. She has been with the mounted section for the past 17 years.

Joining Windsor at the naming ceremony was Jubilee, who was named by The Queen during the UK Jubilee Tour visit to Yeovil in 2012.

Avon and Somerset Police’s Chief Constable Andy Marsh, who attended the naming of Windsor, said: “We are delighted to have had this unique opportunity of having one of our horses officially named by The Queen.

“It is our second horse to be named by Her Majesty in the space of seven years, which is a rare achievement.

"Having both horses – Jubilee and Windsor – together today for the Royal visit was quite special for us.”