A kind gesture by an East Devon football team means residents of The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth can enjoy continued wellbeing through exercise and play.

Feniton Football Club donated 60 used footballs to the sanctuary after hearing that the resident donkeys often play with footballs as part of their enrichment activities.

Enrichment is incredibly important for the resident herds, as it helps prevent boredom and allows them to be more physically and mentally active.

Physical stimulation and the opportunity to play and interact with objects such as playing with wellies or footballs also plays an important part in their overall wellbeing.

The footballs, which had seen plenty of pitch action at the feet of the senior and youth clubs at Feniton were destined to be disposed of, but now thanks to the club, they have a new life at the hooves of the sanctuary donkeys.

Thirty of the balls were initially given to the herd in the Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) centre, where they have already proved very popular among some of the younger donkeys who were part of the sanctuary’s largest rescue case in Wales. The remaining footballs have now been shared out around the main sanctuary in Sidmouth.

Louise Blair, DAA Centre manager and equine coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “We can’t thank Feniton FC enough for this generous donation.

“We routinely change objects for donkeys to explore and play with, from natural resources such as herbs and hazel, to welly boots and rope toys. These items add interest and stimulation for the donkeys, giving them the opportunity to express natural playful behaviours and help enrich their environment."

Rachel Brown from Feniton Football Club said: "We are pleased that the old footballs have been given a second life.” She added: “We hope all the donkeys have lots of fun with them and if Feniton Football Club are ever short of players - we'll know who to call!"