IT WAS business as usual for blacksmith Tony Strong who headed out in 1981 to tend to the horses on a snow-covered Port Meadow.

The Wolvercote resident took to his cart, pulled by seven-year-old Shetland Pony 'Stitchy Boy', to tackle the snow and deliver goodies.

This included two big bales of hay for the 60 horses and ponies shivering in the snow and ice.

He said: "They are all being well-fed by their owners, but I like to see they get a little something extra."

The photograph captured Mr Strong out on his fifth trip of the year, accompanied by Stitchy Boy, for his feeding mission.

Meanwhile away from the photograph, hundreds of skaters enjoyed the perfect conditions on the meadow until the thaw began to set in.