A GRADE II listed RSPCA animal drinking trough in Pensnett is set to be relocated to preserve it for future generations to see.

The trough was installed back in 1912 as a drinking trough for the many horses, ponies and cattle that would have travelled through the area at the time.

Also intended to be used as a drinking fountain for the children at the neighbouring school, it was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V and is significant due to its links to the RSPCA - the world’s first animal welfare charity.

Now used as a decorative flower bed in front of 155 High Street, it is at risk of significant damage due to vehicles driving too close to it - council chiefs have said.

To help keep it safe - Dudley Council has taken the decision to move the trough further back from the busy main road and closer to fencing at St Mark's C of E Primary School.

Listed building consent was approved back in January this year and Historic England’s list entry will be amended to reflect the revised location - which is around five metres away from the existing site.

Councillor Shaz Saleem, Dudley Council's cabinet member for public realm, said: "We are pleased to able to support the re-siting of this listed trough, which will take the structure out of harm’s way and better reveal its significance."

He added: "The piece has been a feature of Pensnett High Street for many generations and tells the story of how the society back then was reliant on horse-based transport."

Work is set to get underway on site from Monday August 22.

Access to businesses and highways will not be affected.

The work is expected to be complete before pupils return to school in September.