A woman raised the spirits of her village by hosting a donkey parade.

Karen Rust from Sculthorpe owns five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses who live in a field nearby her home. On December 22, she, along with volunteers, took the donkeys on a tour of the village to help raise spirits among residents.

Dereham Times: The five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses on a parade through the villageThe five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses on a parade through the village (Image: Karen Rust)

The 66-year-old usually brings the animals to events across Norfolk to raise funds for Norfolk hospice Tapping House, but as a result of the pandemic, has not been able to.

She brought her first donkey when she lived in Syderstone for her grandson. From there, her collection has grown.

Dereham Times: The five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses on a parade through the villageThe five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses on a parade through the village (Image: Karen Rust)

“I love doing it, and I love seeing people’s faces light up when they see the donkeys,” she said.

“We had people waiting at the side of the road with carrots for them. I just think it is lovely, I like doing it for people and the donkeys love it.”

Dereham Times: The five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses on a parade through the villageThe five miniature donkeys and two miniature horses on a parade through the village (Image: Karen Rust)