Donkeys arrive in Chalford

12:00pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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DONKEYS are settling into a new paddock in Chalford to kick off a project to revive a centuries-old village tradition.

Three-year-old Teddy and one-year-old Chester will follow in the footsteps of other beasts of burden when they begin carrying goods to hilltop homes.

Anna Usborne, 33, of the Chalford Donkey Project, said she was euphoric'.

"A lot of people thought it might not happen, so it's nice to see it coming into fruition," she said.

"The people who run the village shop are over the moon."

Teddy, who was bought from a Welsh dealer for £800, moved to the village on Wednesday.

"We chose him because he is robust enough to take on the hills in Chalford," explained Anna, a sculptor.

"He has a really nice temperament - he comes up to you are wants to hang out with you."

Teddy was joined by foal Chester on Thursday, who moved from his birthplace, the Cotswold Farm Park.

"He is very cheeky because he is younger," said Anna.

"We'll have to see how they get on."

Teddy, a chocolate-brown gelding, will be strong enough to carry goods in six months.

Anna plans to fit wicker panniers to the donkey and organise a training day for handlers.

"I would also like to get local schools involved and get the donkeys seen and enjoyed," she added.

The project has applied to county highways for a licence to take donkeys on the village footpaths.