THE death of a horse after a stable blaze started by youths with fireworks has touched the hearts of animal lovers.

Warrior, which suffered horrific burns in the fire, had to be put to sleep hours later. His owners have been inundated with calls of support since the fire on October 28.

Large quantities of blankets have been donated for the surviving horses. One woman, Elizabeth Bland from Preston, has offered to donate a £350 western saddle for auction in aid of the stables.

Warrior was owned by Stacey Roscoe and Jennifer Rawlinson.

Stacey said: "We cannot thank the public enough. The horses that survived were facing a bleak winter but things have turned around dramatically.

"We have plenty of blankets which have been donated by the public and five of the stables are up and running after people turned up to help clean up after the fire.

"We have also had letters and cards from people, some who are not even horse lovers, offering their sympathies."