A POPULAR former stable boss was given a surprise to remember to celebrate a milestone birthday.

Brian Bone, who used to run stables at the Hill Tavern in Clent and Hagley Hill, was overjoyed with his 90th birthday gift of a ride around the village in a horse-drawn carriage.

And as if that wasn't magical enough - snowflakes began to fall as white horses Pluto and Kurioso arrived at his Kinver home to collect him.

The treat was laid on as a tribute to widower Brian, who now lives at Kinver's White Harte Caravan Park.

Brian has become something of a celebrity among the local horse-riding community for the opportunities he and his late partner Pearl Palmer gave to youngsters keen to work with horses.

Kay Cardall, who worked for Brian at the Hill Tavern Stables in the 1970s and 80s, said the stables were full of young helpers who couldn't afford a horse of their own.

She said: "Even now we're all grown up we're still known as the Clent kids. There's even a Facebook group, 'Pearl and Brian...The Clent Years', which is full of all the former kids that used to help at the weekend."

Emma Whatley, of Foxdell Carriages, who organised the surprise, said: "Brian has been so good to us over the years - we wanted to do something special as a little thank you.

"He is an amazing man. It was so nice that so many people came to see him."

Julie Chance, who also helped to organise the treat, added: "It was really lovely. Brian was quite overwhelmed. We were really chuffed."

Brian was also treated to a party at Kinver Constitutional Club on January 13, which was attended by more than 70 people.