Isle of Wight donkey sanctuary damaged in storms

A donkey sanctuary is assessing the damage after three stables and fencing were ripped down during Storm Arwen.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, between Shanklin and Ventnor, estimates the destruction will cost £15,000 to repair.

Thankfully the animals were safe during the storm, the majority of them being in the sanctuary’s permanent barns overnight.

Overnight, winds of up to 81mph (130km/h) were recorded on the island.

Staff and volunteers spent nearly 3 hours making the area safe, but the sanctuary and its café and gift shop have been able to open to the public.

Charity Manager, Derek Needham said "The most important thing was that our animals are all safe. However, the damage is a major blow to us. We have never seen anything like this in the last 10 years".