THE Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary has recently introduced a new welfare officer to Cornwall.

Alison Beck has been living in Altarnun since November, after returning from residing in the South of France for five years.

She explained: "I am new to this post in Cornwall but not to the Donkey Sanctuary. I used to be the welfare officer for Somerset before moving to France."

Alison had four donkeys of her own and has had at least 15 years' experience with donkeys. She was delighted to take up her new post, and said: "It was the carrot that got me back really. It's a job I really enjoyed before and it was just sheer luck that the job was free. I'm thrilled to be in Cornwall; it really is a stunning county."

FREE ADVICE

She is keen to provide free advice and practical support to donkey owners in the county.

Alison said: "As I am so new to the area, it is important that people know I am here to help. Anyone who owns donkeys or is thinking of buying these wonderful creatures is welcome to contact me, no matter how silly they think their question might be.

"I know that some people don't like to ask for help, but we don't charge anything — we just want to give good, practical and friendly advice on donkey-related matters."

Alison is one of 40 officers employed by the charity in the UK. In addition to advice and support calls, Alison can also help with enquiries about fostering a pair of Donkey Sanctuary donkeys/mules; advice on buying donkeys privately; follow-up reports regarding alleged maltreatment or neglect of donkeys; and the relinquishment of donkeys to the charity's main site in Sidmouth.

To contact Alison, please call 07815 285683 or you can email [email protected]">[email protected]. For more information on the Donkey Sanctuary, please log on to their website at http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk">www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk, or phone the sanctuary's national welfare and advice line on 01395 578222.