A TREAT was in store for Branscombe Primary pupils last week when three donkeys visited their school. As part of a new promotional DVD for the Donkey Sanctuary, the children came face-to-face with the resident donkeys, Springy, Dixie and Cocoa. Staff fro

A TREAT was in store for Branscombe Primary pupils last week when three donkeys visited their school.

As part of a new promotional DVD for the Donkey Sanctuary, the children came face-to-face with the resident donkeys, Springy, Dixie and Cocoa.

Staff from the sanctuary explained to the children how the donkeys are cared for, what food they like and how to check their age.

The children also got the chance to groom them and walk them around the playground.

Katie Gray, headteacher, said: "The donkey session was really enjoyable.

"Each child in the school was able to meet the donkeys who managed to get up the steps to the school playground on a beautiful frosty December morning.

"We appreciated the opportunity to work closely with the Donkey Sanctuary. The children really enjoyed the visit and they waved the donkeys goodbye from the playground as they were led down the school path back to the village hall."

The children in class one were also filmed and interviewed back in the classrooms as they did some follow up work such as drawing the donkeys and labelling the parts of the body, with the help of sanctuary staff.

Hattie, 5, said: "I liked the bit when I had to lead them around the playground because it was fun. We also got to brush them and stroke them. I enjoyed drawing a picture of Cocoa, the brown donkey, after they had gone."

A Donkey Sanctuary spokesman said: "We were filming at Branscombe Primary School on Thursday for our new promotional DVD which will be launched in May 2009 as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations.

"The DVD covers all aspects of our work here in the UK, Europe and in the developing countries.