Starring role for Devon donkeys

The donkeys are given special training

Donkeys from a Devon animal sanctuary will be taking centre stage at a number of Palm Sunday events across the county.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is lending out the animals to take part in a variety of processions and services.

The donkeys are given special training for taking part in such events.

They can be seen at services including those at Exeter Cathedral, St Andrews Colyton, St Paul's Church Honiton and St Johns Church at Tipton St John.

'Extra handling'

Dawn Vincent, of the sanctuary, said: "We have to choose donkeys that are medically fit and healthy and they must be used to walking on a lead rope and be comfortable with the extra handling by the public."

The sanctuary was set up in 1973 as a charity and is home to about 500 donkeys.