Shoppers took a break from their Christmas present hunting to welcome police horses back into the county.

Essex Police's Mounted Unit has returned after an eight-year break.

And in Chelmsford yesterday the public got a first glimpse of two of the horses that will be patrolling the county's streets in the new year.

Bella and Biscuit are the first of eight horses that will make up the unit - based at Writtle College near Chelmsford.

Chief Constable Roger Baker and Robert Chambers, chairman of the Essex Police Authority, were at the launch.

Mr Chambers said: "They will be patrolling the streets of the main towns and one of the issues they will be involved with is dealing with antisocial behaviour and any problems that may come with the night-time economy."

Mr Baker added: "The Mounted Unit was a long and proud tradition within Essex Police until it was disbanded due to challenging budget cuts in 1999.

"Having seen the benefit police horses bring and the reassurance they bring to communities, I am sure the horses will be welcomed and have an extremely positive impact on the whole county."