THESE adorable pictures show what is believed to be Britain's first 'double pearl' baby foal taking tentative steps with its mother.

Pearl is one of the rarest colour traits in horses, with a 'single pearl' giving a beautiful pale golden colour.

A much rarer 'double pearl' is created when the pearl gene is passed on from both parents, and results in a deep golden coat.

This Spanish colt foal - which is yet to be named - was born to a single pearl mother and a double pearl father.

Judging by its colour at birth, experienced breeder Sarah Sutton believes it has inherited both genes and is therefore the UK's first double pearl.

She has sent off a lock of the colt's hair to be DNA tested.

Sarah, 45, who runs Orchid (corr) Stud near Yeovil, Somerset, said: "It's just such a great thing to happen in and amongst the gloom in the news.

"I sent his hair off for a DNA test to see whether or not he is a double pearl which is very very rare.

"He's at least a single pearl at the moment which means he'll have a lovely golden coat and will be a stallion.

"If I'm not watching the news I'm watching him on a camera so I'm up to date with everything.

"I haven't given him a name yet but I want something related to gold like golden dream or golden spell.

"I am looking for suggestions so if anyone has any feel free to get in touch."

The young foal was born on March 11 through artificial insemination from sire Pearl of Peace belonging to Spanish owner Christina Kershaw.

He is pictured bounding through the fields at Orchid Stud with his seven-year-old mother Hidalga.