A DEESIDE donkey sanctuary is looking for the support of the public to help fund a new barn after it was damaged during a recent storm.

Riverlink Donkey Sanctuary, based on land owned by Greenacres Animal Park, takes often retired and surplus donkeys, and horses - many that would otherwise have been slaughtered.

Earlier in the year the sanctuary moved to its new home in Deeside from the Wirral - where it had spent the previous decade.

It has quickly become a very popular place - especially among people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

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Owner and founder, Marion Thompson, said: "Coming here to volunteer makes a massive difference to the lives of the many vulnerable people who we get coming to help out.

"It's a safe environment, and the donkeys and horses are so calm - animals don't judge. For local people with autism and mental health problems, it's a great place for them.

"We get special schools coming twice a week - the children absolutely love it."

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Disaster struck during the recent Storm Barra - when the donkey barn was badly damaged.

"The whole thing came crashing down," Marion said.

"It was awful. We've managed to do a patch-up job on it as a temporary measure - but it's only until we can build the new barn.

"Until then, the donkeys will be sleeping in a barn up the road."

The new barn will be bigger and better than the old, and will have a concrete floor area to help alleviate some of the issues with mud that the sanctuary faces in the winter months.

But to the turn the plans for the new barn into a reality, the sanctuary is appealing for the support of the public to help fund it.

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Marion said: "We’ve had a quote for £12,000 and need to raise £6,000. Our donkeys need somewhere they can keep warm and dry through the winter.

"We appreciate all of your support and any donation will help us get to our target."

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via https://riverlinkdonkeysandanimalsanctuary.co.uk/donate

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