Blackpool donkeys are given MOT

Blackpool's donkeys must have an hour lunch break

More than 800 hooves and 400 ears will be given the once over in Blackpool during the annual donkey MOT.

Checks are carried out for the renewal of licences for beach donkeys and the horses which pull landaus - the carriages used for seafront rides.

The 1942 Donkey Charter states that the animals must have hour-long lunch breaks and Fridays off.

Vets were checking hooves, teeth and coats on the animals and equipment on the carriages on Tuesday.

Spot-checks

The animals and owners gather on the Sands Way coach park for the inspections before the summer season.

Spot-checks are also carried out by Blackpool Council inspectors throughout the season to make sure the animals are getting proper breaks.

Water is provided for the animals to drink from at the resort's Pleasure Beach and Central Pier.

The council has even installed special bins for horse droppings.