Like the rest of us, this little herd of donkeys have had their summer cancelled and instead of being out and about delighting everyone they meet they have had to make their own fun at home.

Wyeknot Donkeys are very much hands-on experience and after visiting a Beavers group in mid-February, the donkeys have been shut away from their friends and fans.

Saddened by all the cancellations but managing to keep in contact with people via social media, owner Janice Brown said: “We have kept in touch with some of their children with special educational needs visitors with photos and messages and the donkey’s Facebook page to cheer up their followers.

“Many church and care home communities were looking forward to the donkeys visiting on Palm Sunday and over Easter so photos of the donkeys bearing palm crosses, meeting our pet lambs in Easter bonnets and, latterly, posing in the sun with their sunglasses on has raised a few smiles around the county.

“The donkeys even featured in a music video for the Scottish band Tidelines as part of their new album release.”

Not only have the donkeys and their fans lost out, but their best friends at Wetheral Brownies have missed their groups and summertime fun with the extended Brownie family. Mrs Brown, who is a leader of the group, added: “The Brownies who are known locally as the ‘SAS of Brownies’ no adventure or need to take action is considered off-limits within the safety guidelines of Girlguiding UK, of course.

“The group was lucky enough to be one of the few units nationally to enjoy any sort of overnight residential this year when they took part in the Big Sleep – a fantastic Harry Potter themed sponsored sleep-over at Naworth Castle, raising £1,000 for Cumbria Community Foundation.

“The last meeting which they enjoyed before the lockdown was a visit to a Young Leaders family farm to learn about lambing.

“Over the last 10 weeks the Brownies, and also girls on our waiting list, have been sent a weekly list of fun challenges based on the six Guiding themes. Siblings of both sexes and whole families have joined in the fun.”

Both Brownies and donkeys look forward to getting back together.