Stumpy, Sparky and Sooty were named the finest beach donkeys

The six female donkeys received their awards on Weymouth beach, where they normally work and are a popular attraction with tourists.

Stumpy, Sparky and Sooty and their colleagues beat off competition from Blackpool, Barmouth, Gunnislake, Isle of Wight, Scarborough and Skegness.

The competition rewards animals who are in good health and well looked after.

The donkeys' owner, Maggie Aldridge, told BBC News she was very excited when she found out.

"The welfare officer who is our regular representative rang me up the next morning and actually said that we'd won," she said.

"He said sit down and have a cup of tea Maggie. I said no, I'm going to have a brandy.