Villagers shine at derby

PERHAPS more Eeyore than Yee-ha, but this year's Doddinghurst Donkey Derby was enjoyed by the whole community.

Despite the weather at this year's annual event, the village community turned out in force and organisers hope the fundraising total will be on a par with last year's £6,000.

As well as the usual donkey races, manned by children in the village, the community were treated to a whole host of stalls, games and inflatables on Sunday.

Chair of the Doddinghurst donkey derby committee Sue Mason said: “It's an incredible amount of money we usually raise for a small village and it is thanks to the fantastic support we get from the community that means we can make this event take place.”

The total money raised is split between six worthy causes: Doddinghurst Community Pre-School, Doddinghurst Infant School, Doddinghurst C of E Junior School, Doddinghurst Olympic FC, 1st Doddinghurst Scout Group and the village hall.