AS the millennium fast approaches, animals continue to suffer across the UK - in circuses, in vivisection laboratories, pursued by hunters, those destined for desperately long journeys across Europe as live exports, those destined to become someone's fur coat, and those victims of everyday neglect and abuse.

Our environment continues to be degraded at an alarming rate.

Animal + World Show 2000 is a major exhibition taking place in London next year, bringing together a host of animal welfare and environmental campaign groups, as well as ethical companies - all working towards a more compassionate world for animals and the environment.

This positive, uplifting show will be a unique opportunity to see the world through different eyes and a way for people to find out how they can make a difference.

Whether that person's contribution involves supporting or increasing support for an animal welfare or conservation campaign group, becoming a vegetarian or vegan, or by simply talking to friends and changing their opinions, we want as many people as possible to sign up and think about a new beginning for a new millennium.

Readers can pledge their support by visiting the Animal + World Show website at www.animalworldshow.org.uk and sending us their pledge. Alternatively, they can call us on 020 8846 9714 and ask to be sent a pledge to sign.

SHELLEY SIMMONS. Animal + World Show 2000.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.