Thousands attend Donkey Derby at Eling Recreation Ground

With glorious blue skies and sunshine, Eling Recreational ground was full of smiling faces and cheering crowds on Saturday for the annual Donkey Derby.

The Donkey Derby (Image: NQ) Being held on the Rec for 28-years running, thousands flocked to the green space on Saturday, May 17, to watch children mount the donkeys and take to the racetrack.

The group is put together by the Eling Sea Scouts and the 5th Testwood Scouts with the money raised going to support both groups in their scouting activities across the year.

Steven Osborn lead volunteer at 5th Testwood Scouts (Image: NQ) Steven Osborn, 30, lead volunteer at 5th Testwood Scouts said: This amazing community event is being put together by two brilliant local groups here in Totton – the 4th Eling Sea Scouts and the 5th Testwood Scouts.

“People always ask me ‘how do donkeys’ race’ and the answer to that is very much at their own pace and at their own leisure – but it’s always good for laughs."

The bird of prey show (Image: NQ) He added: “It’s a really fun family day where everyone is welcome – we have various independent stall holders selling street food and jewellery.

“At the heart of this event is the Donkey Derby but we also have rock climbing tower, a model railway, a bird of prey show and a huge amount of games set up by the scouts.”

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Liberty Owl and Raptor Centre in Ringwood put on a show stopping performance showcasing red kites, vultures and a falcon that could travel up to 180 miles per hour.

The rock climbing wall (Image: NQ) Steven added: “A constant challenge for us is funding and volunteers.

“The Donkey Derby allows us to be seen by so many people, many of which who might consider getting involved as a volunteer.

“It also gives us a chance to raise a bit of money which helps us in our scout activities across the year and reach as many young people as we can.”