Donkeys given a 'Derby' rescue

Two of the donkeys already at Freshfield Donkey Sanctuary.

A Derbyshire donkey sanctuary's owner will use the story of two rescued animals to try and stop cruelty.

John Stirling who runs the Freshfields Donkey Sanctuary, near Buxton, said more needs to be done to stop the animals being abused.

Two three-month old donkeys from Cyprus were saved from almost certain death in Cyprus and he will film their progress.

Their mothers were driven off a cliff, a common practice when the animals reach the end of their working lives.

Mr Stirling is planning to make a film about the two animals over the next year.

He then wants to return to Cyprus to try and educate farmers to change their ways.

He said: "My effort is to try and film these donkeys working over 12 months and send all that film back to Cyprus to show the Cypriots what can be done and what donkeys can be used for."

He said the film will try and stop the harsh treatment of donkeys on the island.