A GO Fund Me page has been set up for Redcar and Saltburn beach's donkeys after it is only the second time the donkey rides have been forced to be put on hold - this time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gabriella Pink, 26, who has managed the donkeys for four years after taking over from her family has spoken of her surprise at how much money the page has risen.

The donkeys have been in Gabriella's family since 1826 and apart from when the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001, it is the only time they have had to cancel the rides.

Gabriella said: "Obviously we haven't been able to operate all through the lockdown - the beaches were closed and we weren't able to get out anywhere, all of our fairs and galas closed.

"Even though the lockdown has eased I still don't feel safe for the business to operate. It's a case of to we put myself, our staff and the public at risk at catching the virus or do we play it safe."

The fundraising page has currently raised £5,110 it was set up by staff member Louise Ingoe.

On the page she said: "We're raising money for Gabriella Pink's Traditional Donkey Rides, to help the donkeys who are unable to give rides through the summer due to lockdown.

"I'm raising money to help them through this difficult time, simply because they are a much loved part of the Redcar and Saltburn beaches.

"Please if you could spare a few pound to help it would mean a lot. Every penny will go to the donkeys. This is a idea of what it costs to look after them.

"£25 buys a round bale of hay, £10 buys a bag of pony nuts, £5 buys a bag of chaff, £15 pays for a hoof trim, £13 pays for a wormer, £3 pays for a mineral block for them .

"As Gabbie doesn't have a business premises she was unable to get government assistance which is why I'm doing this for her."

Gabriella said: "I was a little bit apprehensive, I don't want people to think we're begging and paying for my animals upkeep. But then it came to it where I was going to have to ask for help or my business that I've worked for four years would go bust.

"£5,110 is unbelievable, I never ever thought we'd raise that much. A lot of the donations are anonymous, we did get a donation of £1,000 from a man that I'd never heard of - that's kept my donkeys for a month." To donate go to https://gf.me/u/x7auf4