Judging of Great Yarmouth’s beach donkeys will take place on the beach on Thursday 27th August at 4pm as part of a national competition run by the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary.

The group of six donkeys, owned by Parker’s Donkeys, have been singled out by the charity’s judges as the region’s finest. Along with finalists from other British resorts, Ripper the donkey and his companions will now be scrutinised by a national judge for a chance to win a top award.

The Donkey Sanctuary holds its Britain’s Best Beach Donkey competition every year to recognise and reward high standards of donkey care and welfare. There are several national titles to win, including Best Individual Beach Donkey and Best Group of Beach Donkeys.

This year’s national judge, Amber Brennan, will work from a score sheet, giving marks for overall impression, fitness for the job, temperament, condition, tack and turnout, feet, attitude of the owners and facilities.

Miss Brennan says: “I am thrilled to be the national judge, but I think it is going to be a tough challenge. I know that owners are extremely passionate about their beach donkey work and it is their livelihood, so they will make every effort to win! To triumph in this competition means an official seal of approval from the world’s largest charity committed to the welfare of donkeys.”

Amber will visit and judge beach donkeys at British resorts from Sunday 23rd through to Thursday 27th August. The overall winners will be announced by The Donkey Sanctuary’s press office on Sunday 30th August at 9am.

Whilst Britain has around 850 happy beach donkeys protected by minimum working conditions (e.g. maximum 8-stone weight limit), millions are being overworked in developing countries where they provide essential transport to millions of people living below the poverty line. Find out how this charity provides sanctuary from suffering to donkeys both at home and abroad by visiting: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk