The headless horseman is a terrifying figure from folklore, bringing death and disaster to all who stand in his way.

And here, it would seem, is his perfect mount... the headless horse!

This spooky creature was photographed being shod by a blacksmith in the decidedly down-to-earth setting of Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

But all, you may not be entirely surprised to learn, is not as it appears.

In fact the horse, which has the magical name of Merlin, was simply peering around to look at something behind him just at the exact moment that his owner Julie Peckett snapped this picture.

She confirmed yesterday: 'Merlin is healthy and happy and does have a head!'

The perfectly timed photographed captured the moment the horse turned to look at something behind him