BEACH donkeys in Weymouth were today named the best group in the region by animal experts.

Operator Margaret Aldridge is delighted her six-strong herd has scooped the accolade of coming first in the South East category of the 2005 Britain's Best Beach Donkeys contest organised by Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

Now her donkeys are being assessed by judges who are travelling across the country to pick the best from regional winners at popular resorts such as Blackpool and Scarborough.

Mrs Aldridge, who lives in Broadwey, Weymouth, said: "I was surprised but very pleased to find out the donkeys had won the regional title.

"I knew about the competition because I took training courses at the sanctuary but I didn't think we would be up and running in time for this year's one.

"I have thought the donkeys are looking good though. The judges watched their behaviour, how they operate and everything about them.

"It's good for us to get this far in the competition. We are up against a lot of experienced operators for the national title, so we will have to wait for the judge's decision."

Mrs Aldridge gave up her job as a district nurse to pursue her dream of bringing back the children's attraction to the resort this summer.

Donkey rides across the beach had been running for more than a century until operator John Downton retired five years ago.

Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary launched the competition in 2003 to award beach donkey operators for high standards of animal welfare.

Judge Liz Ellis, from the sanctuary, said: "We love to see fit and healthy donkeys working on Britain's beaches, especially when for many children the beach is where they will see a donkey for the first time in their lives. Beach donkeys are among the few remaining types of traditional working donkeys in the UK."

The Donkey Sanctuary estimates there are nearly 950 donkeys working on Britain's beaches.

The national winners will be announced in the week of August 29.