Bruno wins top beach donkey prize

Bruno is described as "a most magnificent donkey"

A beach donkey from Skegness in Lincolnshire has walked away with the title of the UK's top donkey for 2006.

Bruno was praised for his physique and good nature by judge Maggie Taylor from the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary.

The donkeys are judged on their overall health, temperament and the condition of their tack.

The runner-up was Panda from Tamar Valley Donkey Park in Gunnislake, Cornwall. Donkeys from seaside resorts across the UK entered the competition.

'Magnificent donkey'

Mrs Taylor said Bruno was "a most magnificent donkey" in excellent condition.

"It was clear that he knew what he was doing - when he arrived, he walked off the horse box, over to his stand and stood ready to work - with no one leading him."

A six-strong herd of donkeys owned by Maggie Aldridge at Weymouth were named as Britain's Best Group of Beach Donkeys.

The runner up in this group was the Skegness team of donkeys owned by John and Michelle Nuttall, who were winners in the previous two competitions.

An award for the Best Beach Donkey Resort went to Scarborough.

The Donkey Sanctuary has overseas projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Mexico - bringing urgent veterinary assistance to working donkeys in distress.

There are almost 1,000 active beach donkeys in the UK.