IN celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, John and Kate Dykes, who run the Mendick Highland pony stud and a flock of Bluefaced Leicesters at South Slipperfield, West Linton, were presented with a special canvas by the Highland Pony Society's immediate past president, Gillian McMurray, on behalf of their many friends within the society.

The picture shows their Islesman of Mendick, a home-bred stallion that has won many in-hand championships and is making his mark in ridden classes, most recently standing novice ridden champion at the Highland Pony Breed Show, following on from his reserve ridden title at the Royal Highland Show.

As well as their Golden anniversary, this year marks some top judging duties for the duo as Kate judged the in-hand classes at the Breed Show and John judged the female entry at the Highland.