Here’s a picture we took (a lot) earlier!

YOUNG and old welcomed donkeys back to Clacton beach as the children’s rides were offered for the first time in 20 years.

Children clamoured for a ride on the backs on the four donkeys, as Jayne Johns and Linda Moore took them out on Martello beach on Wednesday Mrs Johns, of Rayleigh, decided to bring the tradition back to Clacton after being given a donkey as a fortieth birthday present, by her husband, Martin.

She offered free rides to youngsters on Wednesday, which was a practise run before the summer season to get the donkeys used to the surroundings.

She said: “The donkeys have really taken to it – they are so quick to learn. Nothing fazes them.

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

“Everybody has been interested – the old people and the young. They think it is absolutely lovely.”

“There was a 12-year-old boy and he said it was wicked!”

Her friend Linda Moore, who will be working on the donkey rides alongside Mrs Johns, added: “We got chatting with an old boy who used to keep donkeys. He said he remembered the donkeys on the beach and it is lovely to see them there.

She said: “It is a lovely tradition coming back.

”It has been lovely, especially with all the sunshine.

“I am really looking forward to it, because it has all gone so straight-forwardly.

“If it is warm, I think it is going to be quite busy.”

Rebecca Lambert’s daughter, aged 3, was one of the youngsters to enjoy a free ride.

Her mother, Debbie Lambert, said: “I think it is brilliant, I am really pleased they are coming back.

“She really enjoyed her ride.

The donkey rides are planned to start from April 5, depending on weather conditions, and will cost £2.

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