AFTER seeing an advert on the television for a charity, a nine-year-old girl has been inspired to raise as much money as she can for the cause.

Francesca Dance, from Baughurst, had seen an advert for equine welfare charity Brooke and was so moved by its message, she decided she wanted to do something to show her support.

Having been riding horses and ponies nearly all of her life, thanks to her family’s strong interest in horses and carriage driving, the nine-year-old told her parents that she was passionate about helping the charity however she could.

On May 6, Francesca set up a bake sale at the Vine Hunt Pony Club, near Tadley, which so far has raised more than £750, with donations still being counted.

In talking about her love for horses, the nine-year-old said: “My favourite thing about riding is cantering on my pony Mayfly and doing jumps and cross country on her.”

She added: “I was really upset when I saw some donkeys on television who had broken legs which were not healed properly, but were still working and carrying heavy loads.”

Brooke is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules.

The money which has been raised by Francesca will go towards the charity’s work across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules are currently supporting 600 million people in some of the poorest places in the world.

Brooke works with owners, communities and policy makers to bring about lasting improvements to the lives of these working animals.

To find out more about the charity visit thebrooke.org/about-brooke.