A donkey from the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary led the Palm Sunday service procession for Okehampton Parish Church recently. For the second year running, 26-year old Philip, from Town Barton Farm in Tedburn St Mary, led the procession from the rugby club to the Parish Church. Philip is one of thousands of donkeys currently cared for by The Donkey Sanctuary charity, which runs Town Barton Farm and five other farms in Devon. Dawn Vincent, senior PR officer, said: "The donkeys we select to help with local Palm Sunday services have been chosen for their suitable temperament and love of human contact. Additional training is given to them to ensure they are confident and at ease with the task required of them. It's a wonderful opportunity for our donkeys to contribute to local communities and they really do help to make a tactile link to the biblical Easter story. We feel privileged to help." Town Barton Farm is not open to the public. However, The Donkey Sanctuary's headquarters near Sidmouth in Devon are open 365 days a year. For further information telephone 01395 578222 or visit http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk">www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.