(Photograph) - A child strokes a donkey at the Elizabeth Svendsen Donkey Sanctuary in Leeds, which offers rides and contact sessions for school groups. Parents and teachers of children with special needs say they have seen some remarkable responses, particularly in children with severe communication difficulties - it has even been compared owith dolphin therapy. The EST Donkey Sanctuaries are at Birmingham: 0121 354 9444, Sidmouth: 01395 578222 and Leeds 0113 261 9249. Photograph by STEVE DOHERTY.