RUNAWAY ponies brought the A419 to a standstill at lunchtime.

Three Shetland ponies escaped their paddock and ran onto the busy road at the South Marston junction.

Police were called at around 12.30pm and spent the next 30 minutes attempting to round them up.

Their efforts brought traffic to a standstill on the A419.

However, all three ponies were caught and put into a field at Kingsdown Farmhouse at around 1pm until their owner could collect them.

Highways England thanked drivers for their patience.