TWO new residents at a retirement home for horses are from a regiment that survived an IRA bomb.

Kettledrum and Janus joined the Home of Rest for Horses, Slad Lane, Speen, this week.

Both were from the Hyde Park barracks, in the Household Cavalry, the same regiment as Sefton and Echo, victims of an IRA bomb attack in Hyde Park in 1982.

Sefton suffered terrible injuries, including wounds from shrapnel and nails. He and Echo were taken to the Speen rest home to recover.

Sefton spent 12 happy years at the home before his death in 1994 but Echo is still alive and kicking, having been at the stables longer than any other horse.

Executive assistant at the home Rebecca Keating said the two new horses had settled in well.

She said: "They're very docile, big friendly horses."

Kettledrum was working until June, when he took part in Trooping the Colour for the Queen's official birthday, while Janus was a regimental drum horse.

The horses will now spend their years at the home with 125 other horses, ponies and donkeys.

The Home of Rest For Horses is open daily for visitors from 2pm until 4pm. Admission is free but donations of cash and carrots are welcome.

For more information, ring 01494 488464 or go to www.homeofrestforhorses.co.uk