Centre to welcome 12,000th donkey

The centre currently cares for 400 donkeys in Devon

A Devon donkey refuge is preparing to welcome its 12,000th donkey when Silver arrives at the centre on Thursday.

The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth was set up by Dr Elizabeth Svendson in 1969 to help donkeys who have been neglected, abused or become homeless.

But Dawn Vincent from the sanctuary says she is not sure whether Silver's arrival is a cause for celebration.

"It is sad in one way because we have had to take in so many donkeys that need a permanent refuge," she said.

But she added it was also a "big milestone" for the Devon centre, which is currently home to 400 donkeys.

Fourteen-year-old Silver is a retiring beach donkey and she is coming from Skegness with her companion, 16-year-old Queenie.

The charity has 2,700 donkeys on 10 farms in the UK and southern Ireland as well as 1,900 donkeys in foster homes.

It is also taking care of nearly 200 donkeys in Spain and Italy and gives support and treatment to animals in African countries.