BOLTON'S RSPCA inspector hopes a mighty charity "will grow from small acorns" . . .

For Ashley Hayland, the familiar face of the RSPCA in the area, is leaving Britain to start up his own charity fund - The Acorn Wildlife Trust.

Ashley is quitting the animal charity to live in poverty stricken areas of South Africa.

He plans to help treat animals at some of the country's worst hit sanctuaries.

The idea for his charity began about three years ago when he took a six month sabbatical to visit the country, with particular interest in seeing the silver backed gorillas.

Spurred on by the obvious need for funds, Ashley returned in the hope of going back to South Africa with his charity fund.

During the past three years he has raised enough money for basic equipment, such as a Land Rover, and is now due to leave for South Africa next month.

However, despite his efforts to raise money, Ashley is still about £2,000 short of his target.

Items he still needs include a second fuel tank (£150); fridge (£715 + VAT); two sand planes (£50); a 3.5 tonne winch; a steering guard (£80); sump guard (£60); a five foot high lift jack (£60) and a large capacity fire extinguisher (£60).

He hopes to tour the sanctuaries with equipment and drugs.

But before he leaves the RSPCA, his colleagues hope to help Ashley with his own fund.

Earlier this week they presented him with £100. He is pictured receiving the cheque donation from chairman Peter Evans.

Kathy Kay, of Bolton's RSPCA, said: "Ashley's charity is totally independent from the RSPCA but we wanted to say goodbye and good luck.

"He was so touched by the obvious lack of equipment, that he felt he had to do something to help. Setting up his own charity and heading for South Africa is a very courageous move."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.