An RSPCA volunteer has resigned from the charity because of the plight of three Sheltland ponies.

Animal lovers in Upton-upon-Severn say they have been keeping the ponies alive because no one else was.

Former RSPCA volunteer Michael Lane resigned from the charity because of its response to the problem.

But the ponies' owner, Sean Oldham, says they are being cared for and that he is being harassed by local people.

The animals are on a patch of land next to Upton fire station and are regularly watered down by crews. Mr Lane said people were concerned. "We are taking hay every day but we don't really know what to do," he said. "We're desperate to help those ponies but we can't just take them away.

"Action needs to be taken to remove them to a field with what they need."

Mr Oldham said that locals contacted him to ask if they could help care for the ponies as their children wanted to pet them but he says he does feed them himself. "I'm sick of being harassed," he said. "The only thing I can do is put this in police hands. It's because I'm a gypsy I'm getting this. It's persecution."

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "A local inspector has investigated and had some minor welfare concerns and the owner has been given advice. He is choosing not to act on this and we have no legal powers to insist he does.

"The ponies are being fed and watered and their welfare needs are being met."