SOME of the favourite donkeys at the Tamar Valley Donkey park received a top award this week.

Punda, Roy, Pebbles and Connie won first prize in a competition for the best team of working donkeys in the South West, organised by the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth.

Lionel Ford, welfare officer for the donkey sanctuary, presented the award to the park?s owners, David and Julia Gibbons and David and Tamsin Coggon at the park at St Anne?s Chapel on Monday.

The judges? decision was based on the condition of the animals, including their eyes, teeth and hooves; cleanliness and fitting of tack; and suitability for the work.

The donkey park is run by the family team, supported by part-time staff, and offers an open door policy towards the rescue and care of donkeys which come from a number of sources.

?We were delighted to win the regional prize,? said David Gibbons. ?The judges visited the donkey park three times during the summer and watched our donkeys in action giving children rides around the park.

?Our donkeys are much loved by the children who visit the park and it is rewarding for them and us that their hard work has been recognised.?