ANIMAL lovers have the chance to name a rare foal living at a North-east farm.

Friends of Doonies Farm campaigners are asking Evening Express readers to get their thinking caps on and name one of the Bay of Nigg farm’s newest arrivals.

The rare Eriskay pony was born on the farm three months ago.

There are only about 20 of her kind born in the UK each year. The little mare is happy living with her mum, Rhona, who came to the farm from Kent six years ago.

But both could be homeless along with the farm’s other rare breeds animals if funds are not raised soon to keep it open.

Campaigners fighting to save Doonies Rare Breeds Farm have been given six months to make a successful business venture of the cash-strapped centre.

The farm’s funding was slashed in April as Aberdeen City Council sought to make huge savings to their budget.

Members of the Friends of Doonies Campaign, such as chairman John Sleigh, pictured, want to make sure the two mares can stay on past the deadline the council has set for the farm’s rescue.

Sponsors, who have previously pledged to help the farm, are also being asked to help pay the £11,000 monthly running costs, and donations are being taken.

Cove Community Council chairman Andy Findlayson, who has been fighting to keep the farm open, said: “The foal is a rare breed and just the kind of animal that attracts people to the farm.

“It is so important that people keep using the farm – we have fought hard to keep it open so it is important that people keep coming too.”

Anyone who can think of a perfect name for the cute little foal should send it along with £1 minimum donation to Friends of Doonies, c/o Doonies Farm, Coast Road, Nigg, Aberdeen, AB12 3LT. There will be a £25 prize for the winner of the competition. Deadline for entries is Saturday, August 30.

ktaylor@ajl.co.uk