The iconic Suffolk punch horses are returning to their birthplace this bank holiday Monday for a grand golf tournament dedicated to their survival. 

This is the fourth Order of Merit golf tournament set to take place at Ufford Park hotel, with all proceeds split between the Suffolk Horse Society and the Suffolk Punch Trust. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk Punches line up for the Suffolk Punch supreme champion at Easton Farm Park. Credit: Denise BradleySuffolk Punches line up for the Suffolk Punch supreme champion at Easton Farm Park. Credit: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

East Anglian Daily Times: The tournament was created by Colin Aldous. Image: Ufford Park HotelThe tournament was created by Colin Aldous. Image: Ufford Park Hotel (Image: Ufford Park Hotel)

East Anglian Daily Times: Colin Aldous pictured with last year's winners. Image: Ufford Park HotelColin Aldous pictured with last year's winners. Image: Ufford Park Hotel (Image: Ufford Park Hotel)

Suffolk Punches, sometimes known as Suffolk horses or Sorrels, are Britain’s oldest breed of working horse, and are now classified as rarer than the giant panda.

According to the Suffolk Horse Society, all Punches alive today can trace their male lines back to one stallion, a horse foaled in 1768 by the name of Crisp’s Horse of Ufford. 

The golf tournament has been created by Colin Aldous, the former owner of Ufford Park.

He said he felt it was important to do what he could to raise funds and awareness for the Suffolk Punches, before this piece of our heritage is lost for good. 

The tournament will take place on Monday, May 29. This is a handicap and scratch competition played over 36 holes, with hopefuls competing to win the Suffolk Punch trophy. 

Tracey Pettitt from the Suffolk Punch Trust will be in attendance, with two Suffolk Punches.