A TINY foal born three weeks premature has defied the odds to survive . . . with a little help from some doggy clothing.

Suitably named Thumbelina, now four weeks old, was born to Doris, a 13-year-old Welsh part-bred mare, who had an infection in her placenta.

Her premature birth and her mother’s condition left the tiny filly, born weighing just 13lbs and standing 20ins high, fighting for her life.

But things are now looking up for Thumbelina, who wears dog’s clothing to keep her little body warm.

Owner Nicky Thompson, who runs the Hood Arms at Kilve, said: “Doris was taken back to Meadow Stud in Gloucestershire.

“They foaled her, but didn’t think her foal would make it because she was so tiny.

“She was very underweight and had to wear a whippet jacket to keep warm, but has now progressed to lurcher size.

“We’re so relieved they’re alright, and Thumbelina’s is so cute.”

Doris, just 12 hands high, was bought as a three-year-old for the Thompson’s son, Freddie, but when he outgrew her she was sold to Ireland as a show jumping pony before being sold on again.

But two years ago Nicky and Freddie, now 17, were unexpectedly reunited with Doris at the Wales & West Showground in Monmouthshire.

Nicky said: “She looked very sad and dejected, and was about to be sold to a dealer, so we put her on the lorry and took her home, and ended up buying her back.

“She was such a good pony for us and we’re so glad to have her back.”