A tractor stolen from the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth has been recovered in Ireland.

The machine which was taken from the charity’s headquarters was found by the police.

The John Deere 6220 Loader Tractor was stolen from Trow Farm, in Sidmouth, in November 2017.

The vehicle has since been professionally cloned into a 6320 model to try and disguise its identity.

The Donkey Sanctuary relies on its tractors to transport the donkeys’ feed and bedding, particularly over the harsh winter months.

The charity is currently in negotiation with its insurance company to buy back the tractor, for which it has already been compensated for.

If successful, the tractor could then be used at its Ireland sanctuary, which is in desperate need of a suitable farm vehicle.

Glen Gardiner, head of UK farms, said: “We’re very thankful to the authorities in Ireland for recovering our tractor.

Our grooms rely heavily on tractors to help provide the best possible care for the 7,000 donkeys and mules in our care.”