Over the years, it has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Sheppey good causes and helped support hundreds of people.

But due to a fall in money raised, the Isle of Sheppey Round Table has decided to call time on the Donkey Derby.

However, the club says all is not lost and it is working hard to come up with a replacement, although this will not take place until next year as they want to make sure they do it justice.

Chairman Mark Weston said: “It’s been running for 46 years and 46 years ago it was very much what people wanted.

“It was new and family-orientated, but as time has gone on, people’s needs have changed.

“We get fewer and fewer people through the gate every year. It is a real shame and we would love to keep it going, but we are going to be opening the gates and there will be nothing left over.

“For us to make it viable and raise money for charity, because that’s what it’s all about, we need to improve it.”

Added to falling numbers of visitors, Mr Weston says they are also faced with rising costs to stage it – catering is more expensive as are the fees for hiring the donkeys.

There are already some big ideas coming forward for a replacement event to start next year, but the club doesn’t want to give too much away just yet.

Mr Weston said: “To replace an event like the Donkey Derby is quite a major task and we don’t want it to be half-hearted, it will be bigger and better.”

Mr Weston also thanked those who have given their continuing support to the derby over the years – many of whom have been coming since the beginning – and to all the businesses who have backed it and John and Cathie Lewis for allowing them to host it on their land.

He said without all those people it wouldn’t have run for as long as it has.