LANCASHIRE'S longest serving police horse is returning to duty after being attacked in Nelson.

Excalibur, a 19-year-old stallion, was left with a gashed left thigh after two men drove a motorbike at him in June.

But he is set to return to the streets and will be given a hero's welcome when he appears as guest of honour at Brierfield's Christmas lights switch-on.

Superintendent Clive Tatum of Lancashire Police said: "We were delighted when we were approached to take part in the lights switch-on.

"We are very keen to engage with people living and working in our towns and villages and taking part in this event will be a great opportunity to meet people in a less formal environment."

Excalibur has been a member of Lancashire's mounted police division for the past 15 years. He was regular at football matches and on patrols throughout the county before his injury, but this will be his first public engagement.

Staff at his stables said Excalibur had never had cause to see a vet before the attack.

Police are still trying to trace two men responsible for the assault which took place in Wood Street.

The driver of the motorcycle was described as an Asian male, wearing a black crash helmet, black pin-stripe trousers and a denim jacket. The passenger was also an Asian male wearing a light coloured T-shirt and light coloured tracksuit bottoms.

The Christmas lights switch-on will be in Brierfield Town Square at 7pm on Friday, November 21.