A former equine star of the silver screen now enjoying retirement in Llandysul has been honoured for his role in the 1994 film classic Black Beauty.

Billy the horse shot to fame after featuring as one of the five horses that played the lead role in the Warner Brothers film and is now the only one of the quintet still alive.

He went on to star in many music videos as well as a Guinness commercial, and now lives happily in the Teifi Valley with his doting owner, Louise Maryon.

Now Billy is set to receive his own plaque noting his achievements as part of Pet Plaques, a new nationwide scheme dedicated to celebrating the nation’s most amazing animals.

Each plaque gives a brief description of the animal’s achievement, and even features ears to set the new plaques apart from any others.

“Black Beauty hit cinema screens over 20 years ago and I love that it’s still a film so many remember so fondly, but most of all that it all lives on in Billy,” said Louise.

“I fell in love with Billy on set and that hasn’t changed to this day.

“It’s amazing that he’s being recognised with this plaque, it just goes to show what a great horse he is – not just to me, but to many others too.

“It’ll make a very welcome addition to our stables, and is sure to be a conversation starter with anyone who visits and didn’t know about Billy’s movie star past!”