The Windmill Art Society staged the art and craft fair to boost the coffers of the Easterleigh Animal Sanctuary in St Annes.

Held at the Frank Townend Centre on Beach Road, it featured a host of attractions – a donkey, a former clown, vintage photos of Cleveleys and paintings galore.

The little donkey was brought down to help recall those far-off days of the 1950s when donkey rides were held on Cleveleys beach.

Vintage photographs of the donkey rides were included in a variety of displays along with paintings by the society, local school children and even babies.

Officially opening the community event, which also celebrated Cleveleys' vibrant past, was former Tower Circus clown Charlie Cairoli Jr.

The impressive total was raised from a tombola on the day, as well as stalls and the entrance fee.

Chief co-ordinator Sheila Helliwell, of the Windmill Art Society, said: "People have been so generous.

"I am delighted that we have raised so much for a very good cause.

"Easterleigh does a terrific job, taking in dogs, cats and other animals when there is often nowhere else for them to go."