Donkeys, presents and Father Christmas helped to spread the festive cheer at Wayfarers Christmas Party in Sandwich.

It was held on Wednesday last week and saw residents and service users at the care home in St Bart’s Road get into the spirit of Christmas.

Team leader Jayne Ashington organised the event and her sister Mandy Friend, who breeds miniature donkeys, brought a couple of them in to see the residents.

Her brother-in-law Julian Pitts dressed as Father Christmas and handed out presents to residents and their families.

Ms Ashington said: “It’s so nice to see them enjoying themselves.

“They fully enjoyed it and it’s so nice for the family to come in and see them.”

Two donkeys Fancy Pants and Dotty entertained the residents who enjoyed spending time with them, stroking and petting them.

Ms Ashington said it was the first time some of them had seen a miniature donkey, which is around the same size as an Alsatian dog.