A number of people have enquired over the past few weeks what had happened to the sanctuary, owned and run by Miss Val King.

The Knaresborough Post understands following Miss King being taken into a nursing home, the charity no longer operates and the premises are now closed.

Miss King had run the sanctuary for 32 years after it first opened in 1976 when she rescued a donkey named Crackers.

Over the years, Miss King rescued and housed many animals including horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, bullocks, pot bellied pigs, ducks, cats, dogs, pigeons, rabbits and birds.

Neighbours near the sanctuary have confirmed that the donkeys have been taken to the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon whilst new homes have been found for the other animals.

Many local people and visitors from far and wide visited the sanctuary on regular open days held throughout the year and people gave generously with financial contributions and donations to food to help Miss King with the upkeep of the sanctuary.