A rare photo handed into the News shows the last ever working horse in Fairlie.

The photo was handed in by respected nutritionist Dugald Semple in 1952.

The picture of Bella is from her last working round before being replaced by a motor vehicle.

Bella was a great favourite with the villagers and she was regularly supplied with treats while on her rounds.

The News reported at the time: "The local authorites are going to ensure that Bella gets a good home."
Mr Semple, a well known advocate of the simple life, and of wholesome food, added the following lines - 

Here's Bella, the belle of the bins

And Davis and Bill, the dustmen,

Who could save us a lot of sins,

If we had more sense

To cut less food out of our tins