A parliamentary guest paid Sidmouth’s donkey sanctuary a special visit, hearing all about their latest work.

MP Neil Parish, who represents Tiverton and Honiton, was welcomed to the main headquarters of the international animal welfare charity - The Donkey Sanctuary.

Mr Parish was joined by the charity’s CEO Mike Baker and enjoyed a guided tour of the main Slade House Farm site, visited the new restaurant and visitor centre and also met some of the rescued donkeys.

Mr Baker said: “Mr Parish has been a long standing advocate for animal welfare – both here in the UK and internationally. His animal welfare work has been inspiring and Neil has proven track record of helping The Donkey Sanctuary in times of need, in 1999 he helped us actively lobby against the live transportation of donkeys in Eastern Europe and just last year he attended the launch of our much needed new veterinary hospital.

“This visit has brought Mr Parish up to speed with our ambitious plans for the next five years and on the anniversary of our 50th year in operation since founded by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen. Millions of donkeys desperately need our help around the world and I explained our aims, including vital projects to alleviate the suffering of working donkeys in international communities to developing our site here at Sidmouth in the interests of our rescued donkeys, our visitors, local conservation and the regional economy.”

Mr Parish said: “It was great to meet with Mr Baker and learn even more about the charity and their ambition to transform the welfare of donkeys and mules across the world.”

“The Donkey Sanctuary has long been part of our community as a major employer, leading visitor destination and stewards of East Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I look forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary with them next year and offer them my best wishes in launching a successful new five-year plan in 2019.”