OCTOBER has seen the birth of a new foal at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

OCTOBER has seen the birth of a new foal at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

Francesca, who was born on Thursday, October 2, is the 10,000th donkey in the UK to be cared for by the charity since it started rescuing donkeys in 1969.

She has just been moved to Beach Boxes farm at the Sanctuary so visitors can meet her and her mother, Rosie, who was taken in after her owner became unwell and could not provide suitable care anymore.

Maxine Carter, manager of the Sidmouth farm said: "It is wonderful to have a baby in our care!

"It is quite a rare occasion for us as we have a non-breeding policy and only have foals if a donkey is taken in already pregnant.

"In fact, the last foal born at the Sanctuary was Moses in April 2007."

She said Francesca, who is bound to wow visitors, was named by the Sanctuary's founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, after Saint Francis' feast day on October 4 each year.

Like all donkeys taken in, Francesca and Rosie have a sanctuary for life.

Open from 9am to dusk each day, during half-term activities, including donkey walking and grooming and Halloween themed children's workshops will take place. See details online at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.