A trip to visit residents at a Sandwich care home was the first ever outing for eight-month old Tinkerbell the donkey.

Joined by her mother, Fancy, the well behaved pair travelled from Cherry Tree Farm in Ham to meet 18 residents at Wayfarers.

Dressed in festive coats with ringing bells, the animals made a grand entrance and were lovingly petted by people who use the service.

They also enjoyed a ginger biscuit - or two - and posed for photographs alongside their owner Mandy Friend and helper Jenny Rogers.

Their festive visit is a calendar highlight for the home.

It has been organised by team leader Jayne Ashington with her sister, Mrs Friend, for the past 12 years.

Mrs Ashington said: “The residents just love it and staff do too.

“We love seeing their faces light up and the enjoyment they get out of it.

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“For the first time ever this summer we took the residents out to the farm so they could see the donkeys in their own environment.

“We had a picnic and it was a lovely day.”

Staff at the home have already hosted a Christmas party with a buffet for the residents, which included entertainment from a ukulele band.

Still to come are visits from the Salvation Army, Sandwich Infant and Junior School plus Father Christmas himself.

Wayfarers is owned by Kent County Council.

Following an inspection by the Care Qualify Commission (CQC) last month, it has been rated Good in all areas.