Sidbury Primary School children have been getting face to long face with a little donkey in the run up to Christmas. Key Stage One kids saw the Donkey Sanctuary transformed into a winter wonderland as they rode the animals into the grotto to receive their presents from Santa Claus.

A school spokesman said: “It was a magical experience for all the children.”

The eight pupils have made several trips to the charity this term to learn how to ride and care for the donkeys, with staff picking up and dropping off kids at the school.