EVERYONE knows just what an important role a donkey plays in the Christmas Story.

And that fact isn't lost on St James's Church in Silsden, which has issued an urgent appeal for the loan of a beast of burden for next weekend's roving Nativity production.

A chalk board has gone up outside the town place of worship asking for anyone who can help with the appeal to contact the vicar on 01535 652204.

Let's hope this 'tail' has a happy ending for a joyous mule-tide!