The Cinnamon Trust is desperately in need of someone who can spare some time to walk Fernley, an adorable 11-year-old springer spaniel who lives with his owner in the St Keverne area.

The trust is a national charity whose volunteers help people over retirement age and those in the latter stages of a terminal illness by offering all kinds of pet care. It is appealing for new volunteers who can spare some time and become dog walkers.

One of the dogs in need of a walker is Fernley, who would love to go for a good walk, but needs someone to take him.

A spokesman for the charity said: "What happens if illness, injury or just the fact that we all get older eventually affects our ability to look after our four legged companions? A large number of elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, feeling that their only option is to rehome them. This is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together.

"We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital care, we’ll fetch the cat food, even clean out the bird cage or litter trays. We always need new volunteers so even if you can only spare an hour a week we would love to hear from you."

Anyone willing to help, or wants to find out more, call 01736 758707 during office hours; email appeals@cinnamon.org.uk, or go to cinnamon.org.uk.