A pit pony from the National Coal Mining Museum has died at the age of nineteen after battling a sudden illness.

Robbie has lived at the museum for the past ten years and before that he was the last pony to leave Pant y Gasseg mine in Wales where he had worked underground for five years hauling coal.

Debra Evans from the mining museum said:

“The museum is sad to announce that our pit pony Robbie passed away on April 18, 2009.

“Robbie was good-looking, good-natured, and his favourite companion at the museum was Patch.

“We know Robbie will be sorely missed as he was loved by all who met him. His loss will be felt by all the staff at the museum, those who adopted him and the visitors.”