TONY Wright showed he didn't mind getting his hands dirty to help a Gwent animal sanctuary.

The Bettws-born Capital Gold DJ, who recently received an MBE for his charity work, has been made patron of All Creatures Great and Small in Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran.

The trustees wrote to the dog owner and self-professed animal lover to ask for his services.

"I was delighted," said Tony. "There are some great animals here and if I can help to raise the profile of it in any way that would be absolutely brilliant."

The breakfast-show presenter emphasised the importance of people taking unwanted animals to places like All Creatures Great and Small instead of abandoning them.

"The danger of me coming to a place like this is I want to take everything home with me," he added. "Even the turkey, and I hated turkeys until I met that one!"

Lynne Wilkins, trustee of the registered charity, explained the sanctuary relies on public donations to survive.

"We get no government funding and we're always looking for donations of not just cash but paint and other materials to help with maintenance," she said.

For further information call 01633 866144 or visit www.allcreaturesgreatandsmall.org.uk