• I AM begging readers to spare a thought and a bob or two this Christmas for animal charities worldwide.

They are all struggling to survive having had no fund-raisers for almost two years, during which donations have dwindled but the number of animals to be cared for has doubled.

Wildlife poaching in Africa has increased during lockdown while, at home, we are seeing those thousands of pets bought to give comfort in times of isolation being dumped at animal shelters.

Instead of buying presents for your family and friends, please adopt a fellow creature, be it an elephant, a lion, a horse, a donkey, a monkey, a moon bear, a koala, a bird or a cat or dog, which has been made homeless this Christmas.

These adoptions bring in much needed funds and you won’t have to feed, walk, or clean-up after your new virtual friend.

ANGELA HUMPHERY
Prince Arthur Road, NW3