EVERYONE is being encouraged to trot down to Dursley’s town centre in the coming weeks to take on the challenge of finding several donkeys created by a nearby primary school.

Inspired by the Gromit trail in Bristol last year, Dursley Primary Academy has created 11 colourful and creative donkeys for its own trail around the town.

Starting this Saturday in the run up to the school’s summer festival, Hoof 2014, on Saturday June 14, the pupils set the trail for children to find the elusive creatures before returning their completed trail maps to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Measuring 22cm high, the pulp board donkeys were decorated by artists using the ideas generated by the children.

The school decided to create donkey figurines as the animal is the school’s emblem, which comes from the Dursley Donkey steam trains that used to run from Dursley to Coaley Junction.

Vice-chairwoman of the Dursley Primary Academy Association, Sally Poskett, said the 11 classes were each given a plain donkey with which they had to think of not only ideas to decorate it, but also a name and back story, before sending them to be decorated by their respective artist.

“The donkeys are absolutely fabulous, they really are wonderful,” said Sally.

“All the completed donkeys were presented at an assembly recently and the children were absolutely delighted. I think everybody is looking forward to the festival.”

The trail will run from Saturday, May 31 until Friday, June 13 and the donkeys will then be auctioned off at the festival.

The funds raised from the trail, auction and festival will go towards revamping the academy's stage, with plans to buy new new lighting and sound equipment if possible.

Trail sheets will be available from Angel Treasure Trove in Silver Street and cost 50p. Completed trail sheets can be entered into a prize draw at the festival with a special prize up for grabs.

The festival runs from 3pm until 9pm and features live music, a barbecue, bar, a football tournament, climbing wall, arts and crafts as well as the donkey auction.