Although the days when they could ride them are long gone, elderly residents were thrilled to welcome two donkeys when they visited Skelmerdale's Birch Green Care Home recently.

Moses and Tula put in a surprise appearance and brought back some happy memories of holidays spent on the beaches of Southport, Blackpool and New Brighton.

The donkeys - owned by Paula Grogan - were invited to the home by Activities Co-ordinator Karen House who looks after a horse at livery stables in Bickerstaffe, where the animals are kept.

"I'm always on the lookout for new ways of entertaining people here and thought it would be a great idea to bring the donkeys. Paula very kindly agreed," she said.

The donkeys proved a hit as residents queued up to pat and feed them treats in the courtyard. For a brief time they were even allowed into the day room to meet people who couldn't get out.

"Soon everyone was reminiscing about happy days riding on donkeys. It was a real tonic!" said Karen.

Paula added: “It was great!  The donkeys behaved perfectly and enjoyed the gentle fuss. They're very social animals but are also sensitive because of their past."

While undoubtedly a happy day for Birch Green residents, it was an even happier one for Tula. Had she not been rescued on Christmas Eve 2008 by Paula from a 'fattening' farm in France, she would sadly have been transported to Italy and slaughtered to put her meat in salami. Her companion Moses was brought over from Ireland.