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Ex-police officer sells house to save charity
Ben with dog Reilly
"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career!"
Ben Wilkes has been named volunteer of the year

An ex-police officer has received an award for his overwhelming dedication as a volunteer for the Border Collie Trust GB.

Ben Wilkes first visited the Staffordshire charity 18 years ago, when he went to donate blankets for the dogs in need. But as soon as he set foot inside the centre, he knew he wanted to do more.

Finally in 2004, the unpaid volunteer took the incredible step of selling his family home and moving into the centre, after the former residents retired.

Ben and his wife are available to care for the dogs 24 hours a day and their duties range from dog collection to DIY.

For his outstanding commitment and hard work, Ben has been named Petplan's Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year 2015.

Commenting on his work at the trust, he says: "Sometimes in life you just happen to be in the right place at the right time – and that was the case with me becoming a volunteer at the Border Collie Trust.

"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career! Rescue work is a very unusual beast in that it can be very unpredictable, but it’s great bringing the police force mentality to the role as it gives me real focus and structure."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.