An animal-mad 11-year-old who loves dogs but is unable to have one of her own has made dozens of four-legged friends and wants to fundraise to help them.

Eastern Daily Press: Eleanor Smail, aged 11, who is walking 11 miles for Faith Animal Rescue in Hickling Picture: Cheryl SmailEleanor Smail, aged 11, who is walking 11 miles for Faith Animal Rescue in Hickling Picture: Cheryl Smail (Image: Cheryl Smail)

Eleanor Smail spends every Sunday with the animals at Faith in Hickling, walking them and giving them a taste of the love and comfort they will hopefully find in their ‘forever’ homes.

Having already staged a string of events the Cliff Park High School pupil is embarking on her biggest money-spinner to date - an 11 mile sponsored walk from Winterton to the charity’s base in Stubb Road.

Her mother Cheryl Smail said she was proud of her daughter who was a passionate ambassador for the charity and animal welfare issues.

She said she had suggested volunteering at Faith as a second-best option, knowing that Eleanor really wanted a dog of her own.

However, it had worked out better than anyone could have imagined with Eleanor revelling in her role which looked set to give her a lifetime of working with animals.

Mrs Smail said: “We travel a lot and we both work so I gave her the option to volunteer to appease her. I thought it would not go down well and that she would go a couple of times and but she really promotes the centre and a lot of people we know have gone there to get their dogs.

“She is animal crazy. She walks the dogs and sits with them and has collected towels and newspapers.

“She is a real natural with them. She has just got the vibe that they need.”

“So far she has raised £540 but she would really like to get to the £1000.

“It is something she is really ambitious about, I think she has a lifetime of working with animals ahead of her. It is amazing the effort that she puts in at such a young age.”

Eleanor who lives with her parents and brother in Bernard Road, Gorleston, will tackle the 11-mile walk on Sunday.

The centre has up to 60 dogs at any one time and currently has around 30 kittens and 15 adult cats.

To sponsor her visit the Just Giving page by clicking this link.