Visitors flocked to this year’s ever popular annual carol service at The Donkey Sanctuary.

Sidmouth Herald: The Donkey Sanctuary hosted its annual Carols by Candlelight serviceThe Donkey Sanctuary hosted its annual Carols by Candlelight service (Image: Simon Horn)

Hundreds of visitors gathered at The Donkey Sanctuary for the annual Carols by Candlelight service last Friday.

The sanctuary was illuminated by thousands of candles, adding a truly magical feel to the evening, and as the temperature dropped the event commenced with local band Saxminster providing live music for all to enjoy.

The festive tunes continued throughout the evening with the service led by The Donkey Sanctuary chaplain the Reverend Stephen Knight in the main barn.

Visitors joined in singing traditional Christmas carols, surrounded of course by lots of adorable donkeys.

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

The Donkey Sanctuary will be open throughout the Christmas period including Christmas Day, with the Christmas Spotter Trail running until Saturday, January 6.

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)

Sidmouth Herald: Carols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon HornCarols by candlelight at The Donkey Sanctuary. Picture: Simon Horn (Image: Simon Horn)