Handsome donkey loses competition

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A Blackpool beach donkey who was judged to be the most handsome in the north west of England has failed to repeat his success on the national stage.

Tommy was nominated for the national final of the Donkey Sanctuary sponsored contest after his success last week.

But the winners of the best individual and best group beach titles were Sooty and his donkey friends from Skegness.

The Donkey Sanctuary uses the contest to promote and encourage high standards of care for the animals.

Tommy is owned by Debbie Clews and is part of the team operated by Karen Richardson in the Lancashire resort.

These donkeys simply took my breath away Amber Brennan, Donkey Sanctuary

Sooty and his companions, Alfie, Pedro, Lofty, Noddy, Harley, Rockie and Macca, owned by John Nuttall, were judged as the winning donkeys by the charity's Amber Brennan.

She has spent the past week visiting and judging regional finalists from Aberdovey, Blackpool, Brixham, Filey, Great Yarmouth, Llanelli, Paignton, Skegness and Weymouth.

Ms Brennan judged the animals on overall impression, fitness for the job, temperament, condition, tack and turnout, feet, attitude of the owners and facilities.

Sooty was named as the country's best beach donkey

Speaking about the winners, she said: "These donkeys simply took my breath away, they are all absolutely outstanding with ears pricked forward, had well fitting tack and most importantly were happy in their work.

"As soon as I saw them, I knew that they were a winning combination.

"Sooty is a stunning donkey who simply deserves to win the title of Britain's Best Individual Beach Donkey as he stood out from all the rest.

"He has a wonderful presence and has a lovely nature with the children."

The Skegness donkeys will receive their official awards during a presentation on Friday.

There were several winners in other categories.

The donkeys who took home the Best Feet award were Bella, Smartie, Billy and Polo from Brixham in Devon, while Britain's Best Beach Donkey Resort was named as Scarborough.