An emotional goodbye for Scotty's Donkeys as popular attraction closes gates for final time

Run by Tony 'Scotty' Scott and his daughter-in-law Gemma Mytton-Scott, Scotty's Donkeys has been based at Apley Estate on the A442 Bridgnorth Road for around a decade.

In May this year, Apley Farm announced it would not be renewing the park's lease amid changes to the farm shop complex, and Scotty's was faced with the daunting task of finding a new home.

But after months of trying to find a suitable location, the difficult decision was made to shut up shop and find new homes for the park's 100-plus animals.

Over the weekend, hundreds of visitors turned out to say goodbye to the staff and animals, enjoy a barbecue and take part in a final family fun day.

Emotions were running high for many and the visitors on the day included people who have been visiting the park since it opened.

Lisa Hiatt from Nuneaton had been visiting Scotty's for many years and even sponsored the park's resident deer, Munch.

Lisa said saying goodbye to Munch had been 'heartbreaking'.

"We came last week as well and I was in tears actually. It's devastating really, it's heartbreaking," she said.

Many other visitors echoed Lisa's heartbreak.

Valerie Sherwin, visiting from Stafford, said: "We were coming from the beginning. It's sad, very, very sad.

"The staff have all worked really hard to get it to what it is and people have really loved it."

Louise Stevens, from Shrewsbury, said the park had done wonders for the confidence of her four-year-old daughter, Summer.

"We came for the first time last year, we're very sad it's going. It's value for money, the price of it just doesn't compare to going elsewhere.

"Last year, Summer wouldn't go anywhere near the fences - now we're feeding the animals. She was petrified of even the sheep baaing."

Summer's dad, Chris, added: "She's feeding everything and she's been on the donkeys. The confidence she's gained since last year has been unbelievable and good to see.

"It'll be sad to see it go, it's a lovely little park. There's not many places like this in the local area, it's a shame."

Owner Tony Scott said it had been an emotional weekend.

"I'm a bit gutted about it all, but still, life goes on. I don't know how I'm going to last at the end of the day, there were quite a few people in yesterday and all of us got quite upset.

"I'm very pleased with the turnout we've had over the last two days, it's been very good and the people have been very very supportive."

From the very first announcement, the park has been inundated with messages of support and offers of financial help.

"The support that people have given us from the first announcement has been unbelievable, I can't really say the words," Tony added.

"It isn't the money situation, we're coping okay with it. We've got to get off the land, they want it back.

"We haven't found anywhere suitable at all, I was hoping someone would come from somewhere similar to this, but the only thing we found was fields in the middle of nowhere with no water and electric."

Despite the upset, Tony reflected fondly on the last decade and said his only wish is that he had started Scotty's Donkeys sooner.

Homes have been found for most of the park's animals, which include goats, sheep, alpacas - and of course, donkeys.