EIGHT donkeys brought May Day magic to Malvern when they paraded though the town on Sunday.

Garlanded with flowers, and accompanied by men, women and children in costumes and a 100-strong crowd of onlookers, the donkeys visited many of the springs and fountains in the town before making their way up to St Ann’s Well for a blessing ceremony.

A donkey named Peter led the parade with his four-year-old rider Charlie Dolan dressed as Robin Hood. He was followed by Amadea, Alfie, Bow, Daisy, Bluebell, Bluey and Lucie Lockett to the delight of onlookers as put the clock back 100 years to the time when donkeys were a common sight in Malvern.

The procession was part of the May Day and the well-dressing celebrations over the weekend.

Organiser Rev Val Needham said: “I want to say a big thank-you to the donkeys and their wonderful handlers who created a truly magical day. We’re thrilled to have had so many donkeys join us and hope that next year even more of these enchanting animals will take part.

“There is something special about donkeys. Everybody from babies to great grandmothers wanted to pat them and we were particularly glad to have a special needs group come along.

“I’d also like to thank the crowd who gave so generously on the day and the regulars at the Wonkey Donkey Inn near Ross-on-Wye whose raised £120.

Altogether the procession raised £550 which will be divided between the Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land and Malvern Spa Association.”