Pet therapy was taken to a whole new level as a pair of four-legged VIP guests visited a Norfolk care home.

Residents were pleased to welcome donkeys Alfie and Rubik to Buckingham Lodge in Carbrooke, near Watton.

Watton & Swaffham Times: Alfie and Rubik from Mini Donks visited Buckingham Lodge in Carbrooke, near WattonAlfie and Rubik from Mini Donks visited Buckingham Lodge in Carbrooke, near Watton (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

Their visit came courtesy of Mini Donkeys for Wellbeing, or Mini Donks, which aims to put smiles on faces across the region.

Company leader Steph Collingbourne said: “It’s amazing to see the magical effect donkeys have on elderly people, especially those living with dementia.

“The animals trigger childhood memories of well-loved pets and donkey rides on the beach. The calm nature of donkeys is also very therapeutic.”

Watton & Swaffham Times: Alfie and Rubik from Mini Donks visited Buckingham Lodge in Carbrooke, near WattonAlfie and Rubik from Mini Donks visited Buckingham Lodge in Carbrooke, near Watton (Image: Kinglsey Healthcare)

Mini Donks founder Sarah McPherson was supporting her mother, Patricia Little, through the later stages of dementia, when she discovered that donkeys were the one thing to bring a smile to her face.

Following her mother’s death three years ago, Ms McPherson resolved to let others enjoy the therapeutic benefits of her donkeys and set up a social enterprise.