Tom Morgan

Donkeys have arrived at a remote village to help residents fed up with hauling their shopping up a steep hill.

More than 30 residents living on the narrow paths of Chalford, Gloucestershire, are unable to reach their properties by car.

However, rather than calling for better road access, locals believe donkeys, which were used in the village until the 1950s , will offer an eco-friendly alternative for deliveries.

The idea, first suggested in January, has won the support of homeowners, some of who suggest cars in the area should be banned altogether in favour of the animals.

Anna Usborne, who led the campaign, has taken delivery of two donkeys: Chester, aged one, and four-year-old Teddy.

The animals, currently living in a nearby paddock, are being trained to help villagers fed up with carrying their shopping up the incline to their homes.

Ms Usborne, a 33-year-old sculptor, said: "It could take six weeks or six months to train them. It all depends on how well they behave.

"We are very excited to have them with us. They are lovely, gentle animals."

Ms Usborne applied to the parish council for support after being quoted prices from £300 to £600 to buy the donkeys from her local sanctuary. Teddy was bought from a beach donkey dealer in South Wales while Chester arrived from Cotswold Farm Park.

Dave Andrews, who lives on Rack Hill, previously said the entire village backed the campaign to "bring back the Chalford Donkey".

Mr Andrews, a professional musician, said: "It's a brilliant idea, we are all behind the idea. Not only would it resurrect the history of our beautiful village, but it is an eco-friendly way to get our groceries up the hill.

"Some residents have resorted to ordering their shopping to be delivered from supermarkets but we don't want their vans turning up in our village. We would much rather get our stuff up with the help of a donkey.

"I think donkeys should replace all the cars in the village." Archive pictures of the village, from the 1930s, show donkeys delivering bread and coal from a nearby canal.