Cleethorpes donkeys looking for a field to rest this winter

ALL they want is a field somewhere ... and they aren't too bothered about the cold night air.

Three Cleethorpes donkeys are looking for a place to rest their hoofs for the holidays as trips along the beach wind down for winter.

Benni, Murphy and Mikey are among 14 belonging to the Seaview Equestrian Centre and spend their summers entertaining children and families by giving them rides along the promenade.

But come winter, they are given a well-deserved rest until trade picks up again in Easter.

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However, this year the people who usually look after them cannot, so owner Mike Wade is looking for a kind animal lover to take them in.

Mr Wade said: "There is not enough business in the winter so these three usually go away to a farm or people with small holdings. Sometimes these will be families with children who want to ride them and other times it is just people who like to be able to look after them, pet them and give them titbits.

"If we don't find anywhere for them they will have to stay here but there is a limited amount of grazing space and it is not ideal. It will also put our costs up because they will need feeding. We survive in the summer but have to keep our winter costs down as well as the work."

Benni, Murphy and Mikey are hardy characters and already sporting their winter coats meaning they do not need to go to a home with a stable. All they need is one acre of land per donkey and a wind shelter and they don't mind being separated – although they prefer to stay together.

Mr Wade continued: "They are ideal for stroking and petting. They have their own little characters, they love eating carrots, apples and bread and are great pets for children. They also make lovely companions for horses.

"We like to send them off in twos but it would be nice to send these three together. As long as there is a nice grazing area they are quite easy to look after."

The other donkeys have all managed to find a place to rest for the winter apart from three black donkeys who will stay in Cleethorpes and carry on working.

Donkey handler Sonia Stenhouse, who runs the donkey rides from the pier end of the promenade, said: "Whoever takes them in will get a lot of enjoyment from them. They are used to being around children and they are very friendly. They make a good friend for someone over the winter and they love the attention."

If you want to look after Bernie, Mikey and Murphy contact Mr Wade on 01472 815036 after 6pm.