DONKEYS will bring carols, magic and even an unexpected bit of Caribbean sunshine to Barnards Green.

Bluebell and Daisy and the donkey procession team will be bringing fun, laughter and wonder to the customers of the Bluebell Inn on Saturday, December 17 from 1pm to 2pm.

Thomas Coombes, aged 14, and Grace Guidicotti-Poplawska, aged seven, assisted by Archie Peacock, aged six, and three-year-old sister Olivia, will teach children magic tricks.

Everyone will be encouraged to join the team as they limber up for some limbo dancing to a popular gospel carol.

Reverend Val Needham and her team invite everyone to perform actions with them to a contemporary carol and the rousing First World War to commemorate Christmas Eve 1916.

Rev Needham said: "Despite the approach of my 75th birthday, I have never lost my delight and wonder at Christmas and so the team, donks and I cannot thank Sarah and the Bluebell Inn staff enough for allowing us to come and share our joy and festive fun in aid of such a worthwhile cause.

"We look forward to giving everyone a great start to Christmas and wish you all a peaceful and heart-warming New Year."

It will begin with a mini procession led by Grace in the role of Lucia Bringer of Light.

Grace will be riding 38-year-old Bluebell from the car park at the back of the Bluebell Inn to the front entrance.

Children from the audience will be invited to join Grace and her procession as it continues walking through the pub.

Tradition has it that as children with star topped poles pass each building, or in this case each table, they endow a blessing on everyone present.

This year, Rev Needham and her team are supporting a second and new charitable donkey sanctuary founded by Lucy Fensom.

Based in Israel, Lucy and her volunteers also provide a safe haven for horses and an increasing number of injured and sometimes tortured dogs who are left by the sanctuary gates.

They hope to collect Sudocrem, equine eye ointment, Vetwrap type bandages, Animalintex, groom brushes, medium size head collars and nose chain covers at the procession.

Anyone who wishes to send a donation to Lucy’s Sanctuary for Holy Land Donkeys , c/o Gateway international, Heathside Cottage, Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8AB.