Donkeys are herd animals but they also make one particular friend with whom they pass their days, eating and dozing and enjoying the peace and care they receive at a sanctuary near Wallingford.

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary’s eldest donkey is Smokey who is in his late forties. Smokey and his friend Edward, also a very elderly resident, have special diets because their teeth are not what they used to be.

There are more than 100 resident donkeys who have all come to live at Island Farm because they have experienced abuse, neglect or changes in their lives which left them in need. Misty had been totally neglected and arrived covered in sores over her body and in her nostrils making it hard for her to breath.

Midge arrived with front teeth missing suggesting abuse, whereas Tracy was in good condition but her loving owner had died, leaving nobody to care for her. All have recovered from their traumatic experiences and adjusted well to life at Island Farm. They have made particular donkey friends and respond well to the expert care they receive from the staff and are happy to greet visitors.

Tracy has a special friend called Pollyanne, who has appeared at the Royal Opera House in London on numerous occasions and has recently had a book written about her, which has proved to be a great success.

The sanctuary relies on fundraising to support these gentle and friendly animals. Every weekend there is an event, table top sales on the second and fourth Saturday of the month; craft fairs on the third Sunday of each month; and flea markets and collectors’ fairs on the first Sunday of the month.

Hot food is available on event days and there is also a visitors’ centre and tea room which is open at weekends and school holidays. You can also book a party visit for adults, schools or organisations, or for children’s parties. Talks and refreshments can be arranged on request.

Alternatively just pop in when you are passing at Old Didcot Road, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, OX10 0SW.

It is a lovely place for children, with chickens and cats and goats and sheep to spot as well as the donkeys and entrance is free. The sanctuary is open every day of the year, except for Christmas day. The charity is always looking for volunteers to help with fundraising events or to help in the yards.

For further details of the Sanctuary, the events or to volunteer, visit www.donkeyrescue.org.uk or Facebook.com/islandfarmdonkeysanctuary and you can email mail@donkeyrescue.org.uk or ring 01491 833938.