Happy World Donkey Day everyone! We could not let the day slip by without a picture tribute to the animals in South Tyneside’s past.
Some have starred in Nativity plays and one was the latest attraction at a farm. Another is part of the famous story of the South Shields war hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick.
But all of them were worth celebrating and we are doing just that with photos from 1981 to 2015, all from the Shields Gazette archives.
Tell us about the memories you would like to see in our retro sections, whether it is pubs of the past, clubs, restaurants, nightclubs or cafes.
There might be a workplace which you have fond memories of, or maybe you’d like to take another look at an old school, scout troop, old band or local football team.
Get in touch and tell us more by emailing [email protected]
1. Rehearsing in 2015
Behind the scenes at rehearsals for The Man and the Donkey at the Customs House, South Shields, in 2015. | sg
2. Koko the donkey was brilliant in East Boldon
Staff at Helen Gibson Nursery, East Boldon, performed the Nativity for the youngsters with the help from Koko the donkey, belonging to pupil Ruby Burnett-Houghton, in 2014 | Local Library
3. Nursery moments to cherish
Another of the wonderful reminders of Koko the donkey at Helen Gibson Nursery, East Boldon, in 2014. | sg
4. Silver makes a prediction
Silver the Donkey from Down at the Farm was trying to predict the derby result between SAFC and NUFC at the Stadium of Light in 2012. | img