The Cinnamon Trust – the national charity which works hard to keep elderly people and their beloved pets together – is appealing for helpers in this area.

Dog walkers are needed – particularly in the Shepton and Leigh-on-Mendip areas – to take dogs belonging to housebound folk out for regular walks.

The trust is the only specialist national charity for people in their last years and their much loved, much needed companion animals.

A network of 15,000 volunteers "hold hands" with owners to provide vital loving care for their pets.

Volunteers walk a dog every day for a housebound owner, or foster pets when owners need hospital care, or fetch the cat food, or even clean out bird cages – any task that can help give peace of mind to owners and care for pets where needed.

When staying at home is no longer an option, the Trust's Pet Friendly Care Homes Register lists residential and nursing homes happy to accept residents with pets.

And when a pet is bereaved when its owner passes on the Trust takes on its full time, lifetime care.

The Cinnamon Trust gives peace of mind for owners, and love, care and safety for their pets.

It helps 14,000 people a year with 16,000 animals and runs two home from home sanctuaries but needs help, both practical and financial, to keep going.

Call the Trust's Volunteer Administrator Meredith Peterson on 01736 757900 or e-mail meredithpeterson@cinnamon.org.uk or visit the website at www.cinnamon.org.uk if you would like to help or want more information.