A RIDING therapy charity in Ivybridge is to be re-branded as The Donkey Sanctuary.

The centre, formerly known as the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys, is changing its name following a merger with The Donkey Sanctuary, an international animal welfare charity.

The move means the refreshed centre will now offer donkey-assisted therapy for children with additional needs and therapeutic visits for local elderly people.

The Donkey Sanctuary chief executive, David Cook, said: "Both charities have their origins from the 1970s as a direct result of the hard work and initiative of Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE.

"They have since worked side by side, linked closely through the donkeys, as well as many shared administrative tasks and fundraising activities.

"After a period of consultation between trustees and directors of both charities, the merger was seen as a positive move to strengthen our excellent working relationship and help rationalise on administrative costs.

"The reality is that The Donkey Sanctuary and The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys have always worked closely and the donkeys have always benefited from working with the children and adults as much as the children and adults have benefited from their association with the donkeys."