East Lindsey District Council has once again awarded the donkeys on Skegness beach a five star welfare rating, following an annual health check by vets and authority officials.

The donkeys are owned and cared for by local businessman John Nuttall, and remain a popular seasonal attraction despite other UK resorts recently outlawing their use.

“The highest possible rating recognises the outstanding standards of care, welfare and management provided to the donkeys, which have been a cherished part of the Skegness seaside experience for generations,” reported GO Skegness.

“While John is understandably proud of the achievement, he says the real stars are the donkeys themselves, who continue to bring smiles, laughter and happy memories to thousands of visitors each year.”

The rating comes just a matter of months after Bridgend Council officially ended donkey rides in Porthcawl by extending a ban on dogs using Coney Beach to all animals.

Jay Bateman, whose family has run donkey rides in Porthcawl for more than 100 years, described the decision as “heartbreaking.”

“We want to be a seaside town so we need to attract tourists. Porthcawl is famous for seaside facilities and yet the council seem to be determined to ruin it.”