A REAL donkey joined in the Christmas fun at a special variety show in Darwen yesterday.

The donkey starred alongside children from Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre, who put on the show for the staff of the centre, their parents and friends.

The centre offers support to pupils from schools across the borough with a variety of educational needs.

The show was a chance for them to say thank you to their schools, family workers and those who have supported them over the past few months.

Staff and pupils created impressive decorations and costumes for the show and sang a programme of Christmas songs.