DONKEYS who give rides to children on Great Yarmouth beaches during the summer months are looking for homes for the winter.The owners of Parker's Donkeys want to find alternative accommodation for their donkeys during the winter to give them a well deserved break.

DONKEYS who give rides to children on Great Yarmouth beaches during the summer months are looking for homes for the winter.

The owners of Parker's Donkeys want to find alternative accommodation for their donkeys during the winter to give them a well deserved break.

They are working closely with the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary to find temporary accommodation for their donkeys.

Haily Bulgin, from Parker's Donkeys, said: 'I have 15 donkeys altogether and about 10 or 12 of them are looking for homes for the winter.

'I want to find them new homes for winter for lots of reasons. My land is marsh land and we have really harsh winters, which makes it really boggy. This can affect the donkeys' feet as they need to be kept on dry land.

'My land also needs time to recoup from being in constant use during the summer. And I have a donkey who is due to have a foal this winter so I will have to spend a lot of time looking after her.

'I also think it's nice for people who are looking to get a donkey to see how they go on looking after donkeys for a few months, as a kind of trial run. Other people like to have them as pets for winter so their grandchildren can come and ride them.

'Last year we managed to find absolutely fantastic homes for them, I was really nervous sending them out at first, but the homes they went to were ever so good.'

Shelagh Steel, The Donkey Sanctuary's regional welfare officer for the East of England, said: 'Donkeys need to be re-homed in pairs as they are companion animals. You need to consider if you have the time and commitment needed to look after them and you will need an acre of well fenced grazing with a shelter, fresh water supply and electricity. Caring for donkeys can be most rewarding.'

The Donkey Sanctuary can provide free support and advice to anyone interested in helping out.

If you would like to find out more about providing a winter home to Great Yarmouth's beach donkeys contact the welfare department in Sidmouth on 01395 578222.