FELIXSTOWE: They are as traditional as buckets and spades, candy floss and ice cream, deckchairs and kites, and a paddle in the sea – an essential part of a trip to the seaside.

Now, after an absence of more than 50 years, donkey rides are returning to Felixstowe to become part of the resort’s seafront attractions.

All around Britain’s coast, donkeys do their faithful duty every summer – giving thousands of rides to youngsters as part of their summer holidays or daytrips.

Nine donkeys – including Jasper, Tiger, Patrick, Rusty, George and Joseph – will be giving rides at Felixstowe and owner Cliff Collins is hoping it will be a successful summer that will enable him to make the popular animals a permanent feature.

“I have been doing a few shows and fetes around the area, and also hiring them out for rides at birthday parties, and I thought it would be lovely to have a spot at Felixstowe as donkey rides are such a traditional activity for the seaside,” said Mr Collins, who lives at Elmsett.

“I spoke to Suffolk Coastal Council and they had a piece of land vacant.

“I have nine donkeys licensed and can use six at a time.

“We plan to be here every weekend throughout the summer and then more during school holidays as long as the weather is fine.”

Mr Collins began the �2 rides on Easter Sunday on the former putting green in Sea Road next to the prom and said business had been steady.

“We had lots of pleasant comments and people seemed really interested. The children who had rides really enjoyed it,” he said.

“The donkeys love the attention and the children made a real fuss of them, coaxing them and stroking them.”

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n Do you like seeing donkey rides back at Felixstowe? What other attractions does the resort need? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk