Residents and staff at King Charles Court Nursing Home in Falmouth welcomed a very special visitor on Thursday afternoon.

Harry is a resident of the Flick Foundation donkey sanctuary at Mabe who was transported down to the home in Marlborough Road specifically to meet 90-year-old Di Budd.

Mrs Budd has been a firm supporter of Flicka for several years and has adopted donkeys in the past. However, because she is unable to travel to Mabe, she had never actually come face-to-face with one of the magnificent creatures.

So, to rectify that, the home’s manager, Melissa Jones, stepped in and approached the sanctuary to see if they could bring a donkey to Mrs Budd.

The logistics of getting the horse box to the home proved a little tricky, but Harry eventually made his grand appearance - to the delight of Mrs Budd, the other residents and staff who were all keen to meet him.

“It was so lovely to see Di’s face,” said Melissa. “It made it all worthwhile.”

Mrs Budd’s daughter, Pam Baker, was also there to meet Harry and see her mum’s reaction. “She just loves donkeys,” she said.

“She doesn’t travel well so has not been able to go up to Flicka so it was lovely for them to bring a donkey to her.

“This is the first time she has come face to face with one.”

Harry was accompanied on his outing by Fiona Morcom and Claire Robinson from Flicka who explained that he had been rescued after being found up to his neck in snow several years ago.

He recovered well from his ordeal and is now a healthy donkey and is about 20-years-old.

Harry is one of more than 100 donkeys, horses and ponies currently cared for at the sanctuary, all whom have been rescued from abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Before they left, Fiona and Claire were given a £100 donation from King Charles Court’s co-owner, Barry Libby as a thank-you to Flicka for bringing Harry along.