POLIO sufferer Angel Rodriguez from Mexico is to receive a Christmas gift from Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

POLIO sufferer Angel Rodriguez from Mexico is to receive a Christmas gift from Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

It is providing Angel's donkey El Chiquialón, which he relies on to get around, with free veterinary treatments.

Angel, 60, has paralysed legs and lies across his donkey's back when riding.

Like this he rides 12 kilometres from his village, Xonacatlán in the State of Mexico, to sell goods and carry shopping.

Once a week he rides El Chiquialón to the charity's mobile treatment clinic in Mexico City to receive free treatment for his donkey.

Omar Prado Ortiz, a Donkey Sanctuary vet said: "El Chiquialón is an essential part of Angel's life and we are pleased to be able to give his donkey regular doses of wormer, and to trim his feet on a regular basis.

"It's especially nice to know that we are making a difference at this time of year."

Angel caught polio while in his mother's womb. He relied on his family to get around until they bought his first donkey when he was 15.

Omar said: "El Chiquialón and Angel simply couldn't get by without each other. He is a good donkey owner as he cares for the health of his donkey and by bringing him to our clinic regularly he ensures El Chiquialón is well looked after."

The Donkey Sanctuary has been working in Mexico City and the surrounding areas since 1984.