Bitteswell donkey 'lonely' after death of goat best friend

Harold the donkey needs a new companion after his friend - Billy the goat - died

The owners of a "lonely" donkey are seeking a new companion for him in time for Valentine's Day after his best friend, a goat, died.

The donkey, called Harold, was left bereft in Bitteswell, Leicestershire, after the death of his goat friend Billy at Christmas.

Owner Dot Smith said Harold was "lost" and still visited the shed his friend used to live in.

She is now looking for a female goat to keep Harold company.

Mrs Smith, and her husband Carl, said Harold had missed his friend Billy, who was put down over Christmas due to old age.

She said the pair would "never be more than three or four yards away from each other".

Harold has had a number of goat friends in the past, including Billy and Maisie

"When he had the goat, they used to run around in the field - it was lovely," she said.

"He was very fond of Billy the goat. They loved each other.

"Harold is a bit lonely now. If we could find a mate for him, it would be really appreciated.

"He's looking for someone to play with and run around a field with him."

Carl Smith said Harold would be a "very happy donkey" if he was found a new friend

The couple are hoping to find a goat to adopt for Harold, who has mostly had male companions in the past.

They are now seeking a "calmer", female friend for the donkey, who they say has lived in a field by their home for about 17 years, in time for Valentine's Day.

"If we could get him a goat, he'd be a very happy donkey," Mr Smith said.