The Flicka Foundation donkey sanctuary near Penryn has been presented with a donation of £525 from the Co-op store in Truro, raised from their sale of used books.

Shaun Ince and Cindy Turner from the Truro store presented the cheque to Flicka staff and Compo, one of the charity’s appreciative four-legged residents.

Centre manager Lucy Cooper said; “We’re so very grateful to Truro Co-op and its customers, for their generous donation. We care for over 100 donkeys and horses at our sanctuary, rescued from situations of abuse, mistreatment and neglect. This donation will go a long way to helping us give these animals a safe and happy home for life.”

Compo was rescued at just three months of age, when the animal welfare seized him and his mother Emma from harrowing conditions at a meat market.

Compo was dangerously underweight and terrified, but, with lots of care and attention, he has grown into a friendly and affectionate donkey, now living happily at Flicka with his Mum.

Lucy added: “As a registered charity we rely completely on donations from our supporters to continue our vital work. Feed alone for our residents amounts to over £60,000 per year with costs soaring in the winter when the grass stops growing. We simply can’t do what we do without the support of people and businesses like the Truro CO OP store and its customers.”

Shaun added: “We at the Co-op are only too happy and proud to help and support a local charity like The Flicka Foundation.”

There are many different ways that individuals and businesses can support the charity’s work, from adopting a donkey or sponsoring a barn, to fundraising and volunteering. More information is available on the The Flicka Foundation’s website at www.flickafoundation.org.uk/ways-to-help.

Second hand books can be dropped off at Truro’s CO OP store and proceeds from their sale will be donated to local charities.

More information and updates on the donkeys and the charity’s work is available at ww.flickafoundation.org.uk and by following @TheFlickaFoundation on Facebook and @flickadonkeys on Twitter.