THE path of true love never runs smoothly. And for Donald and Bella it has been a harder journey than for most.

Four-year-old Donald's sweetheart is many times bigger than him - and a completely different species.

He is a small white Call duck, while she is a large Newfoundland-Alsatian cross.

But Donald has not let these differences discourage him.

"We've tried to wean him off her," says their owner, Yvonne Phillips, 57.

"We have even got him two females to try to attract his attention, but he doesn't pay them any notice."

Donald and nine-year-old Bella met three years ago when Donald came to live with the Phillips at Addison Street in Cefn Fforest. At his previous home he was attacked by other drakes.

"He was all bedraggled, with his feathers pulled out," says Alun Phillips, 52.

"They had really gone for him and he was very weak. But now he is healthy and back to normal."

Donald likes to sleep in the same basket as Bella and follows her around during the day.

Yvonne says: "It is worse in April and May. Then he won't leave her alone and tries to warn off anyone who gets too close by pecking at them."

When it is time to take Bella for a walk Yvonne has to take drastic action.

She says: "I throw Donald into the pond, then grab Bella and get her through the gate and close it before he can follow.

"If we take her out in the car he will run along beside the fence until we get out of sight."

Local school-children often stop to watch the pair.

Yvonne says: "No-one can quite believe it.

"It isn't often that you see a duck in love with a dog."

Bella does not mind Donald's attentions. Alun says: "She sometimes plays with him, but is careful not to hurt him. He is lucky she is so gentle."

Donald and Bella may be happy, but for the two female ducks life can be a bit lonely.

Alun says: "He just ignores them.

"They are always making lots of noise to try and get his attention. But he only cares about Bella."