FOR the first time in four years, the sun shone on Okehampton and District Lions Club Donkey Derby and Family Dog show on Sunday.

Held in Simmons Park, the event was well attended, the donkeys behaved themselves and non-competitiors were kept amused with trade stands and displays by the fire brigade.

The day was generously sponsored by local businesses and well-wishers, and all funds raised on the day are to be donated to charities, organisations or individuals in the area. The Lions expressed gratitude for the support of their endeavours.

The six race winners competed in the Garden Pond Challenge Championship Stakes Donkey Derby Final and the winner was Made to Measure, owned by Devon Carpentry and ridden by Ryan Lee.

The winning children were given Silverwell rosettes and owners of the winning donkeys received a bottle from Sampford Courtenay Cider.

Ian Brass, Deborah Squire and Tim Chapman were crowned the winners of the three Sulkey races.

Despite the hot weather, there was a good turn out of dogs for the dog show, with Jack the pointer, owned by Paige Edens from Callington, winning Best in Show. Reserve Best in Show was Zara the doberman, owned by Stewart Stevens also from Callington, and the Best Puppy was Layla owned by Chris Wood from Launceston.

Dogs and their owners came from as far as Plymouth, Somerset, North Devon and Torquay to take part.

The winning lucky programme was number 307. The £100 prize can be claimed by writing to Peter Roberts, 10 Berryball Close, Okehampton, EX20 1TX by July 27.