Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary is set to welcome visitors of all ages as 2020 open days begin

From Saturday, animal lovers of all ages can head to the centre to spend time meeting the 20 donkeys living at the sanctuary from 11am to 4pm.

The shelter, in Mill Rythe Lane, will welcome hundreds of visitors each weekend and on various days in school holidays until December, learning about the animals’ stories and ongoing care.

Admission is by donation, with volunteers running the centre and caring for the animals who live there, which can be met and groomed for a small added donation.

New concrete walkways have been put in around the visitor area to make sure it is disability-friendly and everyone can enjoy a fun day with the donkeys.

Paul and Tracy Hunt founded the sanctuary when they bought Ollie and Rusty, two of the old retiring beach donkeys from Hayling Island.

Senior volunteer Phill Upshall said: ‘The aims are to provide lifelong care and a comfortable home for retired donkeys.

‘We take in as many as we can and give them lifelong care, coupled with education. We take them out to schools, care homes and nursing homes.’

Volunteers welcomed a famous face to the animal sanctuary In November, when Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis spent a day helping open two new donkey shelters and met a donkey named after his character Boycie, who he decided to adopt.

The adoption scheme is one of the ways the sanctuary raises money to care for the animals, along with Care N Cuddle workshops which give people a one-to-one experience to learn about donkeys, groom them and walk them.

More people are always needed to help out with tasks including grooming and mucking out, greeting visitors and working in the visitor centre.

Phill, who has volunteered for two years, said: ‘I have always been an animal lover and I’ve retired recently so had time to volunteer.

‘It’s a lovely environment down there, there’s a place for everybody whether it’s an hour a week or a whole weekend. Volunteers are always welcome.’

For more information, visit haylingdonkeys.co.uk.