NEWS that Blackpool's seaside donkeys are to be given an hour's lunch break barely raised an eyebrow in a North seaside resort.

Officials at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, said their 40-strong team, which give children's rides on the beach, have been having a daily 60-minute siesta for "donkeys years".

Andy Skelton, head of environmental health at Scarborough Borough Council, said officials prided themselves over the welfare of the town's four-legged friends.

Scarborough was the winner of the "Donkey Oscars" in 2003 and last year - a competition organised by national charity The Donkey Sanctuary, which is dedicated to the welfare of the animals.

Mr Skelton said: "The borough council has for some years included in the licences issued to donkey franchise operators a condition that requires them to be rested at lunchtimes.

"The aim is to ensure that they are given a break between 1pm and 2pm.

"Their saddles must also be removed during these times and they must be given food and water."

He said that donkeys being used for rides were inspected once a year by vets, while council officers also carried out their own checks.

Councillors in Blackpool yesterday discussed how long their donkeys should have for lunch - and agreed on one hour.

And they will not be saddled with working all week either, because they are getting Fridays off.

New licensing inspectors will swoop on the sands to ensure that no donkeys - who ferry thousands of children every year - are missing out on their new employment rights.

Blackpool Council said they must only work from 10am to 7pm, including the hour off for lunch.

They will also receive annual "donkey MoTs" to check their hooves, ears, teeth and coats are in good condition.

Any owners whose animal is not up to scratch will be refused a donkey operator's licence.