A LOVEABLE donkey, who often took part in a Christmas nativity play held at Belbroughton Holy Trinity church, has passed away.

Kenny came from Droitwich, to live at the Animal Sanctuary and Protection, based in Belbroughton.

Gaye Hadley, sanctuary finance manager, said: “He was lovely donkey. You could love him, you could cuddle him and he has been our mascot.”

During Christmas carols, Kenny would often move his lips up and down as though he was singing.

The donkey was named after a man at Bromsgrove market named Ken, who used to give Gaye’s Granddaughter, Alice sweets.

Now, Kenny’s companion Dotty will be taking over his part in the Christmas nativity.

Gaye added: “We have got to hope his companion, dotty, will be sensible enough to do the nativity but I doubt it, she is a bit of a lady.”

Kenny was around 30 years old and died recently of old age.

Earlier in the year, Belbroughton CofE Primary School donated around £1,000 to Animal Sanctuary and Protection though fundraising from their Harvest Festival, Christmas show and Easter service.

The sanctuary is funded solely by donations to sponsor one of the sanctuary’s 30-plus rescue horses, ponies and donkeys call Gaye Hadley on 01562 730539.