SOUTHEND millionaires who struck gold with the National Lottery got their hands dirty in helping renovate a new home for miniature donkeys.

A team of National Lottery winners spent a productive day at the Mini Donks farm, which desperately needed more space but did not have the time to build a new yard.

But Southend-based Tony and Deb Pearce, who won £1million in 2017, were on hand and rolled up their sleeves to create the new yard for six miniature donkeys, who are already enjoying their new home.

The pair spent their winnings on overhauling their Southend home, buying a new caravan in Wells, Norfolk, and finally tying the knot three years ago, after being together for 33 years.

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They were joined on Thursday by Billericay millionaires Susan Richards and Barry Maddox, who won £3million on a lottery scratchcard in 2016.

The new donkey yard is complete with new fencing, carrot treat boxes, and a raised garden bed.

Mr Pearce, 69, said: “It’s been fantastic, a really lovely day out.

“We’re worked really hard, but the guys do it here day in and day out, and this was all for them and the donkeys.

“We’ve absolutely loved it, we really got stuck in with the gardening and the carrot planter.

“When we won we paid our mortgage off straightaway, and completely overhauled our house.

“We’ve also been supporting our family, just to take the pressure off them.”

Mini Donks, which has received £70,780 of National Lottery funding, takes friendly miniature donkeys to community groups, voluntary organisations, dementia or special needs groups across the East.

Sarah McPherson, founder of the Norwich-based charity, added: “We really enjoyed working with the National Lottery winners and are very touched that they have given up their time in this way. “Demand for a Mini Donk visit is growing by the day and this really will make a huge difference to the organisation.”