Donkeys made a welcome return to the beach at Clacton today after an absence of more than 20 years.

Owner Jayne Johns will be offering rides for children on the sands from next month - and she took Joseph, Barney, Tom and Rupert along to the resort to get used to their new environment.

They caused quite a stir with media interviews, photo calls and people stopped to have a chat with Mrs Johns and meet the donkeys.

Mrs Johns - who has been licensed by Tendring District Council (TDC) - said she was delighted with the reception they received.

"It seems to have gone down well and people were genuinely pleased to see donkeys back on the beach at Clacton," she said.

"I am looking forward to be offering rides from April 5, depending on the weather, or the nearest possible day to that."

Mrs Johns, who lives in Rayleigh, Essex, will be travelling to Clacton throughout the season and will operate at Martello Bay Beach during the school holidays, as well as weekends.

Donkey rides were provided on a fenced off area of the greensward by Nora Cleghorn until she retired in 1993 - but it is well over 20 years since they took place on the beach.

Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said it was great to see the donkeys make a return.

"I am sure they will prove very popular - not only with the younger generation but with those who remember donkey rides being an important part of what was on offer at the seaside in days gone by," he said.

There is a weight limit of 6 stone for anyone wanting to take a ride, which will cost £2.

18/3/09