A HEALTHY lifestyle is the secret to a long, happy life for one popular donkey.

Rosie, who lives at Pencombe-based Shortwood Farm, is set to celebrate her 40th birthday next week.

A party will be held at the farm on Bank Holiday Monday when there will be free cake and ice cream for everyone between 12pm and 1.30pm.

Of course Rosie Donkey won't be left out as a great big carrot cake is planned for her.

Shortwood Farm owner, Janet Legge, said: "We don't know exactly which date she was born so we thought we would make bank holiday Monday 31st August her official birthday.

"The party will be at lunch time and all those who visit can join in.

"Rosie came to live at Shortwood twenty four years ago when she was 16.

"Over the years she has been loved and petted by thousands of visitors to the farm.

"She has become so much part of the farm's activities that now she waits patiently each morning and afternoon to do her bit in entertaining visitors on the farm tours.

"As soon as she sees the people coming she comes trotting towards them and puts her head over the fence inviting them to stroke her. In her old age the more she is stroked the more relaxed she becomes, so much so that her bottom lip starts to tremble and then she starts to dribble.

"She has been such a great friend to us and loved by so many people over the years."

Contact Shortwood Farm on 01885 400205.