Members of the northern region of the donkey breed society and their friends, came together for an ‘important act’ of commemoration for animals that died in war.

The animals were blessed by Bishop John Richardson and purple poppies and wreaths were placed in an act of remembrance on international war animal day.

The Donkey Breed Society is a registered charity that provides support and friendship to a nationwide community that shares a passion for donkeys. 

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They joined with War Horse Memorial in the UK and groups in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America to commemorate the amazing and often extremely harrowing roles that animals have played in war.

Allison Roberts who organised the event, said: “Not many people know of Bewcastle - it’s a hill farming community with residents who recall their grandparents talking of the First World War.

“To mark the day Bishop John agreed to come up to our home to give a blessing over our two donkeys, Hamish and Dougal, who stood attentively, aware of how special this was.”