DONKEYS did their bit for the community of Bampton as the village recognised a madcap tradition dating back to 1970.

Each year, a Donkey Derby is held at Sandfords Field. The event, which this year included eight races with six donkeys in each, is organised by the Spajers, a group that raises cash to keep local OAPs entertained.

Organiser Don Rouse said yesterday’s derby had gone very well.

He said: “The rain didn’t stop us but we did get a bit wet towards the end.”

Paul Morcombe, 35, of Witney, took his children Ella, four and Luke, five, pictured, along for the first time.

He said: “We’ve got friends in Bampton so they told us all about it, and we’ll probably go again next year because we had such a good time.”