HUNDREDS braved the weather for the annual Wiltshire Donkey Show in Dauntsey over the weekend.

The rain didn’t manage to stop the 230 spectators from visiting the show ground at Scots Smith Farmyard on Sunday where 28 donkeys were entered into the 77 categories to see which would come out on top.

Sheila Wade, a member of the donkey show committee and owner of Scots Smith, said: “This is the third show we have done at the farmyard. It stems from an earlier festival which has been going for 20 years in the south west. There were 28 entries in the 77 categories which means most of the donkeys competed in different areas. It went really well, apart from the poor weather affecting the numbers of people who attended, but everyone seemed to have a really good time. A lot of people brought dogs so for next year we may even do a dog show as well.”

Jonathan Till, the CEO of the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust, was on hand to present the winning donkeys with commemorative rosettes.

Mr Till said: “It was a real pleasure to me to be able to award these rosettes to the donkeys and their drivers today on at the show drive of the Wiltshire Donkey Show.

“We are very proud to be the custodians of the heritage and memories of the working life of the canal and the people and animals who were so much part of life here all along the Wilts & Berks Canal until it was abandoned as a working canal in 1914. I look forward to the day, which is not long away now, when we can welcome donkeys back on the towpath all along our canal.”

The overall hand champion and winner of the Wiltshire Donkey Show Cup was revealed to be Avoncroft The Commoner, owned by John McLaren.

Bridget Huck, of Dauntsey, said: “I love this time of year when the donkeys come to Dauntsey. I always bring my grandchildren down to the show. The donkeys are so kind and patient and let the children stroke them. It is wonderful to see them in the ring, so obedient and active. All the people are very friendly and happy to answer questions about donkeys. It is a wonderful show.”

Even younger members of the audiences were thrilled about having the afternoon with the mules, some of whom had already picked their favourites.

Phoebe, five, said: “I love their ears, they stick up so far and they look like my rabbit. My favourite donkey is Frosty, he has a lovely soft nose and I stroked him on the nose.”