Region's best donkey takes award

Sam's owner is donating the weekend's takings to the sanctuary

A bunch of carrots has been awarded to the winner of a regional competition in a special beach ceremony in Kent.

Sam, a donkey who gives rides on Dymchurch beach, also received a trophy and rosette for the South East title of Best Individual Beach Donkey of 2008.

The award is part of a national competition organised by Devon-based charity The Donkey Sanctuary, which promotes high animal welfare standards.

The prize was presented by its regional welfare officer Mark Kerr on Saturday.

To commemorate Tom Turnball, Sam's owner, has offered to donate his proceeds from donkey rides over the weekend to the Donkey Sanctuary.

The winners of the competition were announced earlier this month, but Sam missed out on the top award.

Competition judge Jenifer Tucker said: "I can tell you, now judging is over, that Sam was my favourite donkey all through the week.

"He came so close to being my overall winner for best individual beach donkey in Britain."