It’s a calendar highlight and also a tell-tale sign of Christmas when the miniature donkeys pay a visit to Wayfarers in Sandwich.

Four-legged Little Annie, eight, and 18-month-old Elsie travelled from Cherry Tree Farm in Ham to meet the care home’s 16 residents yesterday.

Dressed in festive coats with ringing bells, the animals made a grand entrance before being stroked and petted by those who live there.

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For some like Barbara Bushell, 92, it brought back memories of donkey rides when she was a child. Olive Harrison, 98, said she had waited her whole life to meet one.

Team leader Jayne Ashington, who organises the annual tradition, said: “They just love it when they visit. You see their faces light up.

“We hold residents meetings and they always ask, ‘Can we have the donkeys?’

“Sometimes we organise a trip up to the farm so they don’t have to wait until Christmas to see them.”

Manager Deborah Ford presented Mandy Friend and Jenny Rogers from the farm with flowers and donkey treats as a thank you.

Residents have also celebrated the Christmas season with visits from children at St Bart’s Nursery and Sandwich Junior School who sang carols.