A Trellech woman has praised the charity she joined after reading a letter in the Beacon.

Ann Stubbs responded to an appeal by the Cinnamon Trust for volunteer dog-walkers and is now encouraging others to do the same.

The Cinnamon Trust was set up in 1985 as a specialist charity for elderly people and their companion animals.

The trust put Ann in touch with Frances Sayfe, who is unable to give her beloved chihuahua Dixie as much exercise as she needs.

"I have been walking Dixie ever since," said Ann, who has also become firm friends with Frances.

"I drive up from Trellech a couple of times a week to walk Dixie, who is just wonderful, and sometimes come up just for a coffee and a chat.

"The Cinnamon Trust is a wonderful charity. It is so important for people to keep the love of a pet, for some people it is their only companion.

"I've benefitted so much from reading about it in the Beacon but I think I am the only volunteer in the Monmouth area."

For full story see Beacon 9/11/11.