MEET the donkey who swapped trekking along Blackpool beach for a life in the countryside.

Roly spent most of his first 16 years carrying youngsters across the sands at the popular north west seaside resort.

But the 32-year-old leads a far more relaxed life these days at Smithills Animal Farm.

Louise Blundell, whose partner Carl Grimshaw runs the farm, which houses llamas, alpacas, meerkats, skunks and reptiles, has a soft spot for Roly.

He was the farm’s first resident 16 years ago.

Louise said: “When Carl first set up the farm we were looking for animals and when we thought about donkeys we thought about Blackpool. And contrary to popular opinion, the owners took good care of their animals, and that is how we managed to buy Roly, who had been previously employed on the town’s beaches.” Louise knows her charge so well, that she recently invited parents and children to come along to the farm to see its oldest resident in the shape of Roly, who she described as being “well mannered” and seeking ‘lots of attention”.

Despite his maturing years, Roly still manages to get out and about, visiting elderly people in care homes, schools and is even putting in a special appearance on March 13 at the Easter Market in Bolton.

Louise said: “He is sort of semi-retired, and because of his quiet demeanour, he only carries the younger children these days, before tucking into his favourite treats, which are still carrots.”