THIS was one Oscars ceremony where Versace frocks and Manolo Blahniks gave way to straw hats and wellies.

The donkey oscars, awarded this month at Blackpool Town Hall, may have lacked the glamour of the Hollywood version but it dispensed with the hee-haw-ful acceptance speeches.

And the winners of the nag-nificent award, to honour good care of the animals, were one of Blackpool's longest-serving family of donkey operators.

Debbie and Ian Clews and their nephew Jake Radford were presented with a handsome trophy to commemorate the title.

The family said the trophy was a tribute to the late Sidney and Nancy Clews who began the family business more than 50 years ago.

And other family members honoured their proud tradition by winning or being voted runners-up in every heat of the newly-launched contest.

Ian's sister Pauline Clews scooped an attractive rosette for winning the first round of the inaugural donkey oscars in August.

And Ian, with Pauline's son Jake Radford, were runners-up to Terry Roebuck in the September heat and then won the October heat as well as being voted overall winner.

Blackpool's deputy mayor Coun Allan Matthews presented the family with their award at the town hall.

He said: "People of all ages love donkeys and as well as bringing particular pleasure to families with young children they make an important contribution to our tourism industry.

"These awards were launched to recognise and applaud the good care donkey operators take to look after their animals and preserve one of the town's great traditions."

Owners were given marks for the physical condition of the animals, the appearance and quality of the tack, the cleanliness of their pitch, smartness of the drivers and the quality of customer care.

Donkey Sanctuary and council staff worked together to launch the awards and to carry out health and welfare inspections on the donkeys.