A Suffolk Punch breeder who has been rearing foals for decades celebrated a new arrival this spring and lockdown has provided the perfect time to get to know him.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sandy and Tom Walne with Heather and her foal, Roger. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSandy and Tom Walne with Heather and her foal, Roger. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Tom Walne is well known across the county, and he has named Whitton Roger after Roger Clark, a dear friend who passed away recently.

The foal born at the beginning of April, has ties to royalty as his aunt Whitton Poppy was generously donated to the Queen for her Golden Jubilee – his mother is Whitton Wild Heather, sister to Poppy.

Tom and his wife Sandy have reared Roger at their home in Westerfield and the foal has been getting plenty of attention during lockdown.

The farmer took part in the Suffolk Show for over 30 years and 2018 was the first year he didn’t show any animals.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sandy and Tom Walne with Heather and her foal, Roger. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSandy and Tom Walne with Heather and her foal, Roger. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The very first Punch foal to be born in the world this year was Coppermantle Big Stig, at Rede Hall Farm near Bury St Edmunds.

The Suffolk Punch Trust in Hollesley also welcomed three foals Colony Gremlin, Colony Gunther and the newly named Colony Gigi.

MORE: Meet the adorable spring trio of foals at the Suffolk Punch Trust

East Anglian Daily Times: Sandy and Tom Walne with Heather and her foal, Roger. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSandy and Tom Walne with Heather and her foal, Roger. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)