Doolittle does much for animals

WORKING three jobs while bringing up three daughters would be exhausting enough for most people - but could you imagine doing all that while caring for 54 animals?

Diane Allen, Alderney's answer to Dr Doolittle, doesn't have to imagine because her life revolves around work, her children and looking after cats, dogs, chickens, geese and horses.

Diane, who moved to the island from York eight years ago, describes the animals as a '365 days a year job', but said she could take on a couple more horses, even though she already cares for eight.

'I think I could take on another two, but I'll only rescue ones in dire need,' said Diane, who's the wife of States member Peter.

Diane's horses are kept in a field opposite the Hammond Memorial. And, after advice from numerous islanders, she has decided to launch a horse rescue charity.

'It all started when people kept asking me what I did. A few suggested I set up a charity, so that's what I've done. There's an account if people want to donate and I'm also working on a webpage.'

Diane, who works for St John Ambulance, Virtue Fusion and the Connaught Care Home, added: 'All the horses need are their hooves doing and to be wormed regularly. They also need to be insured and I've just had the vet check them. This is where any extra funds will come in handy.'

The 38-year-old explained why she took on the horses.

'Some had medical problems, while others would have become horsemeat if I hadn't agreed to keep them. There's one from Malta and a few from Guernsey. There's also one from Manchester which had a tendon injury - he used to be a showjumper. Three are retired horses.

'They will all be with me until the end. I wouldn't part with any of them - if I left the island, they would all come with me. I love them to pieces.

'This is the life a horse should have. They don't ask for anything - they just get a lot of love.'

Diane spends three hours a day with the horses, as well as most of her weekends. She also hasn't been on a proper holiday for several years.

'I hack out with them and entered them in Alderney Horse Show this year. I've had a few days away here and there, but I always worry about the horses and want to get back to them. My daughter and a friend cover while I'm away, but it's not the same.'

l Anyone who would like to donate funds for the horses should email alderneyhorsehome@cwygsy.net

Residents are reminded that tomorrow is polling day for the States election.Twelve islanders are standing to fill five vacant seats and of the current members, only Tony Llewellyn and Ian Tugby are seeking re-election. Prominent politicians Colin Williams and Richard Willmott will stand down when their terms end in December, while Liz Bennett quit the States in July.

Lin Maurice, who lost her States seat in 2008, is seeking a return to island politics, while Paul Arditti, Ray Berry, Matthew Birmingham, Lois FitzGerald, Ray Gaudion, Ken Hampton, Victor Levine, Arthur Wheeler and Norma Williams are also standing.

People will be able to cast their votes at the Island Hall between 9.30am and 6.30pm. Counting of votes will take place as soon as the polls close, with a result expected later in the evening.