If you’re heading to the Costa del Sol and flying from Bristol Airport you could be in for a surprise when you check-in. The airport is now home to George the donkey one of forty decorated donkeys created as part of an initiative by Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier.

But don’t panic it’s not a real donkey! In fact the animal is made from fibreglass and resin and has been painted by local artist Nina Kleinzeller who was inspired to dress him in a 1930s style bathing suit.
The donkeys are part of a project to celebrate 80 years of tourism in Western and to celebrate the reopening of Weston-super-Mare which was damaged by a fire in 2008. Jacqui Mills, of Bristol Airport, said: “It’s an unusual way to welcome passengers, but it seems appropriate in a year when we celebrate our 80th birthday and 200 years of tourism in Weston. We have called him George after Prince George, who opened Bristol Airport at its original Whitchurch site in 1930.”