MORE than 300 people voted to name Greater Manchester Police’s newest horse during a facebook competition.

The five-year-old Piebald mare has joined the ranks of the region’s police force and has been officially named Oliver, which was narrowly chosen over Sykes.

The third placed name choice was Scrooge, taking on a topically festive feel.

Sergeant Cara Charlesworth, from the GMP Specialist Operations Branch, said: “We had an amazing response and as he is the most junior member of the mounted police team I think Oliver is a great name.

“Thanks to everyone who took part and they can keep an eye out to look for Oliver on patrol across Greater Manchester.”

GMP has a tradition of naming all horses after Dickens characters and the three options were chosen because of their festive associations.

The winner picked at random from those who chose Oliver is Victoria Choi from Manchester who has been invited with her family to meet Oliver and have a tour of the Mounted Unit.