CARING Joanne Rowley has launched a magazine to raise awareness and money for animal charities.

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

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

Now, thanks to donations from the public and daily supplies from local shops to help with the feeding, it is home to dozens of animals, from unwanted cats to injured wild deer.

While she was a pupil at Wolsingham School and Community College, Joanne did work experience with a local newspaper which encouraged her desire to write.

After taking A-levels, including English language and photography, she has launched Absolutely Animals.

The monthly publication tells the story of rescued animals and the organisations that help them so people know who to call in emergencies.

There are also tips about pet care, from herbal remedies to how to avoid canine travel sickness, and details of animals in need of a new home, lost or found.

Joanne, 19, said: "As a pet owner, 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 the sales of the magazine, which costs 50p, is helping to pay for production and 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 so needy pet owners can apply for assistance towards veterinary care in special circumstances.

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