Congratulations - the award for Britain's Best Group of Beach Donkeys has been given to John and Michelle Nutall's group of six donkeys in Skegness in the 2004 competition organised The Donkey Sanctuary based in Sidmouth, Devon.

Yesterday, Ray and Julie Mutter from the charity completed their judging in the South West, having travelled the length and breadth of the UK over the last two weeks to assess regional winners, which included the South East, North and Mid-Wales, East Lindsey and North Lincolnshire Coast, Scarborough and North Yorkshire Coast and Blackpool and Flyde Coast.

The popular awards, launched for the first time in 2003 aim to recognise beach donkey operators for their contribution to high standards of animal welfare practices in both regional and national categories. The Donkey Sanctuary believes there are almost 950 donkeys working on Britain's beaches each year.

Judging is based on the donkeys' general condition, health and suitability for the job and condition of their tack. Now, national judge Julie Mutter of the charity's Welfare Department explains why John and Michelle's donkeys received the top award: "These donkeys were outstanding and had lovely temperaments. They were turned out superbly and had perfect feet. We were also impressed with the management facilities on the beach for the donkeys - this is a factor in our judging. We have met happy beach donkeys throughout the country and standards have been excellent."

Mark Ineson's group of 10 donkeys at Blackpool has been given runner up for the Best Group of Beach Donkeys category whilst Tommy Goodfellow who works on Blackpool beach has been named as Britain's Best Beach Donkey 2004 with Ollie on Hayling Island being this year's runner up.

Regional welfare officer, Bill Tetlow adds: "At the Donkey Sanctuary, we love to see fit and healthy donkeys working on Britain's beaches, especially when, for many children, the beach is where they will see a donkey for the first time in their lives. It is also a fact that beach donkeys are one of only a few traditional working donkeys remaining in the UK and from what I have heard, we have some super beach donkeys out there, so well done to all involved!!"

The Donkey Sanctuary is a registered charity based in Sidmouth, Devon. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Donkey Sanctuary has taken in over 11,000 donkeys and also has major overseas projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and Spain. In total in 2003, the Donkey Sanctuary provided 127,797 treatments to donkeys and mules in developing countries. It aims to prevent the suffering of donkeys worldwide through the provision of high quality, professional advice, training and support on donkey welfare. In the UK and Ireland permanent sanctuary is provided to any donkey in need of refuge. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk