Ponk the donkey visits Salcombe Regis church

Sidmouth 25th Mar 18. Ponk the Donk took a starring roll at the Palm Sunday service at Salcombe Regis church, near Sidmouth. The annual event sees parishioners process up the hill, and this year the Rev David Lewis headed the walk, together with Ponk, a 14 year old donkey from the nearby Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. Photo Tony Charnock, Central / Alamy Live News. (Image: Archant)

Ponk the 14-year-old donkey made quite the impression as he led the congregation on a short processional walk to the church on Sunday.

The mule came from the Donkey Sanctuary with Maxine Carter and her daughter Immi to join the Reverend David Lewis and the congregation.

Mike Newman, church warden, said: “It’s the first time we have managed to get a donkey down from the Donkey Sanctuary.

“We do this every year depending on the weather and walk up from the car park singing Glory Lord and Honour and this year we had about 30 people.”

Sidmouth 25th Mar 18. Ponk the Donk took a starring roll at the Palm Sunday service at Salcombe Regis church, near Sidmouth. The annual event sees parishioners process up the hill, and this year the Rev David Lewis headed the walk, together with Ponk, a 14 year old donkey from the nearby Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. Photo Tony Charnock Central / Alamy Live News. (Image: Archant)

The donkey lives in the sanctuary’s New Barn and has been at the charity since 2004.

A Donkey Sanctuary spokesman said: “He enjoys human contact and outings and can often be found close to the fence awaiting visitors.”

Sidmouth 25th Mar 18. Ponk the Donkey, who led worshippers up to church in the stunning seadide village of Salcombe Regis. Ponk, a 14 year old donkey is pictured with Maxine Carter, from the nearby Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. Photo Tony Charnock Central / Alamy Live News. (Image: Archant)