ANIMAL lovers from West Devon are being sought by a national charity to help with dog walking for elderly owners in the South Zeal area.

The Cinnamon Trust is a charity for elderly and terminally ill owners and their pets, and the organisation is in need of help from anyone who would be willing to do a little dog walking.

There are currently elderly people in the EX20 area who have dogs and are unable to walk them.

The Cinnamon Trust is seeking to keep owner and pet together for as long as possible with the help of a national network of volunteers who assist when any aspect of day to day care poses a problem.

Sherry Carne, new volunteer administrator for The Cinnamon Trust, said: 'Without someone to walk the dog, elderly people can be forced to give up a much loved pet, which is often their only companion.

'We do not expect volunteers to go out every day with the dog — we try to match at least two to three volunteers per household so that the task can be shared.

'As well as dog walking we also look for people to assist with short term pet fostering when owners face a short spell in hospital or transporting a pet to the vet's for its elderly owner.

'We are always seeking new volunteers and anyone with even an hour a week to spare can make a huge difference.'

Potential volunteers, or anyone seeking more information should call 01736 757900 during office hours or email [email protected]">[email protected] for an information pack.