A stallion being groomed for stardom was killed after being spooked by fireworks.

Two-year-old Champagne broke his leg when he took off in fright at the sound of explosions near his farm in Pyecombe late on Saturday night.

He was with a group of 20 young horses in a field who smashed their way through a fence and into a second field which contained another 20.

Champagne was injured in the stampede, breaking his leg in two places.

The horse, which was expected to rise high in showjumping circles, had to be destroyed the next day.

A young female horse also had her shoulder smashed.

Her owners, at Brendon Stud, Haresdean Farm, were last night waiting to see if the three-year-old would survive.

Shirley Light, who runs the farm with her parents, said: "Champagne was robbed of his life way too early. It is heartbreaking. He had a superb pedigree and could well have gone on to become a star."

Champagne was not found until Sunday morning, by which time he had been struggling to stand all night and was in a lot of pain.

He had two breaks in his thigh.

Ms Light said: "His leg was twitching uncontrollably and he was in agony. It was so bad some members of staff were sick when they saw him."

Ms Light, 32, said it was lucky the 40 horses did not carry on their stampede through the next fence or they would have hit the A23.

She said: "It's not just November 5 any more, it's the weekends before and after the date as well. My family and staff are very worried about fireworks causing more injuries or death before the week is out.

"Many people are not aware how frightened animals get from the loud bangs and flashing lights."

She said Champagne's father won the Foxhunter Championship at the Horse of the Year Show this year so there were high hopes for his son.

"It's heartbreaking when something like this happens when you've spent years nurturing a horse and training them.

"We enjoy living in the countryside, as I'm sure most villagers do, but people need to be aware animals also live there.

"Perhaps they would be better off at an organised firework party in town which has been advertised so people with animals are forewarned."

Mike Hepworth, head of environmental health at Mid Sussex District Council, said: "Many communities stage an organised firework display and these events can be some of the best and safest ways to enjoy fireworks."