PATRICK the Pony is poised to step in and save the day for Cockington’s under-threat visitor centre.

The Guinness-guzzling Shetland pony, known worldwide as the ‘Mayor of Cockington’, could turn out to be the centre’s unexpected saviour.

The centre is up for sale as part of a clear-out of assets owned by the collapsed Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Liquidators appointed to handle the trust’s affairs last year have a responsibility to sell its assets for the best possible price so that bills can be paid.

But local people were shocked to discover the busy visitor centre – where locals and holidaymakers go to find out what’s on around the busy Cockington estate – among the list of assets to be sold.

The building was owned by the trust and not, as many assumed, Torbay Council, which means it will be sold. Campaigners have already called on the council to step in and buy it so it can continue as a visitor centre.

It has been advertised at a guide price of £80,000 but will be sold at auction.

Now Cockington’s most famous resident, with more than 300,000 followers across social media, is ready to ride to the rescue.

Patrick the Pony is a miniature Shetland therapy pony owned by local couple Kirk and Hannah Petrakis. He has been featured in newspapers and on TV shows worldwide after being named Cockington’s unofficial ‘mayor’.

As a therapy animal working through Community Pony CIC, Patrick visits local hospitals, schools and care homes, and has been photographed slurping Guinness at the local pub.

Mr Petrakis wants to use grants and donations to buy the property, with Patrick at the heart of a revamped visitor centre.

He said: “It would still be a visitor centre as well as a community help hub for people to gather in. Recovery groups could meet there, and Patrick would be there for the therapy side.

“We would be doing that but also promoting Cockington as well. I think it would be brilliant – the Mayor of Cockington saves the visitor centre!”