A man has been captured on CCTV trying to board a train accompanied by a pony.

Shocked staff watched as the man tried to get on the train at Wrexham General station with the white pony in tow.

After a conductor refused him entry, the man returned to the ticket booth where he tried to buy two tickets - for himself and the animal.

Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) said horses were not permitted on safety grounds. The RSPCA said it was concerned and was viewing the CCTV tapes.

The man tried to travel on Saturday's 1902 BST service to Holyhead on Anglesey with his four-legged companion.

The ATW spokeswoman said: "Arriva Trains Wales allows dogs and small animals to travel on board trains.

"All animals, except dogs, must be conveyed within a fully enclosed basket or pet carrier with dimensions not exceeding 85 x 60 x 60cm.

Image caption All aboard the pony express: The man led his four-legged friend to the platform at Wrexham

'Politely asked to leave'

"Large animals, including horses and ponies, which may pose a risk to the general public are not permitted travel."

She said the man later left the station with the animal, adding: "I'm not aware that anything like this has happened before."

Meanwhile, it later emerged the man and pony turned up at the accident and emergency unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, asking for treatment for the animal from doctor.

A health board spokesman added: "He was politely asked to leave the premises by the Security Guard and duly left, taking the pony with him."

In a statement, the RSPCA said of the station incident it was "not a safe nor acceptable manner in which to transport an equine."

It added: "The pony could have been injured or could have caused injury to passengers.

"Horse owners require passports to move their animals and they should be housed in a safe and secure environment when transported.

"The RSPCA inspectorate are currently viewing the images which have been released to the media."