4:31pm Monday 5th October 2009

 By James Nadal »

THE rescue of nine donkeys stolen from a Chalfont St Giles farm will feature in a BBC show.

Crews from wildlife programme animal 24:7 filmed the recovery of the creatures, which were found in a field in Hertfordshire.

A total 0f 11 donkeys were stolen overnight between September 18 to 19.

Seven ponies not related to the theft were also found in the field after an investigation by Thames Valley Police, together with Hertfordshire Police and World Horse Welfare.

Nick White, World Horse Welfare field officer for Bucks, London and surrounding areas, identified one of the animals – Darrell – thanks to a microchip.

Mr White had been carrying out a routine inspection of some horses on September 23 when he saw a group of three donkeys nearby – one of which turned out to be Darrell.

“It was wonderful to find Darrell safe and well, but it only fuelled me on to find the remaining donkeys,” said Nick.

Eight more donkeys were found six days later but two remain lost.

Mr White said: “We were able to return all eight donkeys to their very grateful owner the next day and prior to leaving we helped make the premises more secure to prevent a further theft.

“All we need to do now is find the remaining two donkeys and I will be happy.”

The episode of the show featuring the donkeys is likely to air in 2010.