Resort declared donkey favourite

The awards recognise high standards of donkey welfare

A North Yorkshire seaside town has been named the best beach donkey resort in the country by welfare experts.

Judges from the Donkey Sanctuary declared Scarborough the best donkey resort in its annual awards which recognise high standards of welfare.

The title of Britain's Best Donkey went to Dennis, owned by Mike Thomas in Llanelli, Wales. Runner-up was Bobby in Blackpool, owned by Pauline Clews.

The Best Group of Beach Donkeys award went to owner John Nuttall at Skegness.

Happy at work

Joint runners-up were operators Jenny Floris, of Scarborough, and Karen Richardson of Blackpool.

Donkeys owned by Maggie Aldridge in Weymouth scooped the Best Feet in Britain title.

Judge Rosemary Clarke said a crucial factor was whether the donkeys were happy in their work.

She said: "The donkeys must be in good health; they should be strong with good conformation, have gentle and placid natures and above all, be happy in their work.

"The condition and suitability of their tack is an equally important factor."

Senior regional welfare officer for the Donkey Sanctuary, Bill Tetlow, said Scarborough's award recognised the commitment of operators and the town's council to ensuring the welfare of the donkeys was a top priority.

He said: "It is the resort everyone's got to aim for... they are quite a bit in the lead."