OFFICIALS of the Cinnamon Trust, a national charity which helps elderly and terminally ill people to take care of their pets, is appealing for volunteers to come to the aid of a Rainhill woman.

The pensioner is no longer able to walk her dog - her only companion - and the trust is hoping to set up a rota of helpers to undertake the task.

A spokesperson for the charity told the Star: "We aim to keep owners and pets together for as long as possible with the help of a national network of volunteers who help when any aspect of day-to-day care poses a problem.

"Some volunteers also offer foster care of these pets in their own homes, when the elderly or terminally ill face a short spell in hospital.

"Although we are always seeking volunteers in all parts of the country, we have a particular problem at present in the Rainhill area in which an elderly lady is concerned because she is no longer able to walk her dog, her only companion.

"We would like to arrange for a rota of people to help this lady but unfortunately do not have any volunteers close enough at the moment."

Anyone who may be able to help can contact the Cinnamon Trust on 01736 757900 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

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