POSTCARD FROM BLACKPOOL

Bob Barton sees the light and discovers a place where the history, traditions and humour of the seaside are maintained in spades

- Bob Barton

Who doesn't love spending time at the seaside? Over the years, I've followed the Agatha Christie trail ina Torquay, danced the night away in a Brighton discotheque, marvelled at a water-borne circus in Great Yarmouth, chosen a kiss-me-quick hat in Margate, and seen the settings for Bram Stoker's Dracula in Whitby. To name a few. One of the most popular and famous resorts is Blackpool. Yet I had never explored it: something I decided I needed to put right.

I hadn't been there five minutes before I fell in love with Tilly. She’s one of the well-groomed donkeys who give rides on the sandy beach. The others included Coco, Max, Dolly and my namesake, Bobby. Tilly had a pink headband, a necklace of bells and seemed especially gentle. Unfortunately, I couldn't have a ride as adults aren’t allowed. Her keeper explained that, since the 1940s, there’s been a donkey charter that limits the animals’ hours of work and gives them a day off every week. It also restricts rides to young people under 16. It was enjoyable spending time with these beautiful creatures.