AN ANIMAL enthusiast has launched a magazine to raise awareness and money for animal charities.

For the past three years Joanne Rowley, who lives at a rescue centre in Stanhope, has been surrounded by animals, each with their own sad story.

Her parents Sally and Dave Rowley opened Weardale Animal Sanctuary at Hope House Farm, in August 2000 for family pets that could no longer be cared for by their owners and rescued wild animals.

The former Wolsingham School and Community College pupil has launched Absolutely Animals - a monthly publication to tell the story of rescue animals, the organisations that help them and tips about pet care.

Joanne, 19, said: "As a pet owner, I have a Yorkshire Terrier/Jack Russell cross and a Labrador cross breed dog, I realised there wasn't much advice available.

"So I wanted to combine that with promoting the work of animal charities and rescue centres to give them recognition and inform people of who to turn to if they see an animal in need of help."

Money from sales of the magazine, which costs 50p an edition, is helping to pay for production and the rent of a unit in Bishop Auckland, where Joanne writes the magazine.

Profits are to be shared between animal charities and shelters and a fund for needy pet owners.

To have an item inserted in the magazine or to offer sponsorship visit Unit 24, InShops, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, or call 07866 192527.