THE rags to riches tale of Polyanne, the showbiz donkey, has warmed hearts this Christmas.

But she is now being joined in the Royal Opera House spotlight by a fellow rescuee.

Polyanne was rescued in 1997 by John McLaren - the founder of the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford.

And after appearing on stage in a production of Carmen at Oxford's New Theatre, she is heading to London's West End.

Polyanne, who is 23 years old, is no stranger to the capital, appearing in Pagliacci with Placido Domingo at the Royal Opera House three years ago, and in Carmen, earlier this year.

Joining her, this spring, will be another resident of the sanctuary - Lady, who was on sale to be slaughtered for Italian salami, but was rescued by the sanctuary earlier this year.

The pair will travel to the Covent Garden-based opera for shows in March and April. Two-year-old Lady will act as Polyanne's understudy.

Lady was found in South Wales, after breaking free while being loaded on to a German cargo ship.

Mr McLaren, 64, said: "Lady was found by a friend of mine. She was in an appalling state. When she was found, her hooves were overgrown, her coat was covered in lice and she was infested by internal parasites.

"She had been signed off for human consumption, and would have ended up in a salami factory.

"Both donkeys are beautiful. Polyanne loves being on stage. She knows her parts well. She listens to the music and she knows exactly when to move.

"I think Lady will become as good as Polyann. She has the right temperament and just needs a few more years of training. But I have to have another donkey to fall back on if Polyanne is sick, and that is Lady."

Mr McLaren said: "I go on stage with Polyanne as a supporting actor.

"Previously I was a gipsy wine seller. I had to sell wine to cast members, as well as smoke a make-belief pipe. I loved it."

Lady has already made her first public appearance - at a Nativity play at the Magdalen Road Church in East Oxford.

Mr McLaren said: "I was really proud of her and so gave Lady her favourite treats - ginger biscuits and a jam doughnut."