A pet owner says she will walk 52 miles with her dog to fundraise for a rescue centre which is still caring for animals during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jo Linwood, 74, from Watford said she will spread out the distance over six weeks, walking just over one mile per day around Bushey Manor Field with her eight-year-old Cairn Terrier, Sooty.

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Mrs Linwood said she hopes her charity walk, which she will start this Friday (May 1), will raise money and awareness for the National Animal Welfare Trust's (NAWT) Watford branch in Tylers Way.

The site closed last month to volunteers and visitors but staff are currently still looking after the animals during lockdown who are still in need of a home.

The trust said it has been struggling financially recently as it had to close the onsite cafe and postpone fundraising events.

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Mrs Linwood said she rescued her previous pets, a cat called Trixy, and two dogs called Nick and Jack, from the trust.

She added: "It is really sad there are animals waiting for their forever homes while in lockdown.

"The NAWT do a fantastic job with the facilities they have and I know they've been struggling for funding for some time.

"The animals currently in their care are in limbo as there is no chance of getting their forever home in the foreseeable future but the charity continues to look after them with care and commitment.

"The centre's expenses for food, bedding, veterinary costs and all other related costs involved with animal care are still ongoing, irrespective of how much money is coming in.

"Sooty and I thought we would put our daily exercise to good use and raise some money and I hope that, even if only in a small way, we can provide some help for the animals in limbo."

To donate go to www.gofundme.com/f/sootys-lockdown-walk