Donkey sanctuary celebrates birth

Francesca was named after St Francis, the patron saint of animals

A Devon donkey sanctuary is celebrating the birth of the 10,000th donkey to be cared for in the UK by the charity since it was founded in 1969.

Francesca was born at the sanctuary in Sidmouth on 2 October and is named after St Francis, the patron saint of animals, whose feast day is 4 October.

Donkeys are not bred there, and foals are only born if the mother is pregnant when she is taken in.

The last foal to be born there was Moses, in 2007.

Maxine Carter, the Donkey Sanctuary manager, said: "It's wonderful to have a baby in our care. It's quite a rare occasion for us as we have a non-breeding policy.

"Francesca is a beautiful, playful young lady."

Francesca's mother Rosie was sent to the sanctuary along with another donkey as their owner was in poor health and could not look after them.