An animal lover who has dedicated more than 30 years to rehousing rescue cats, dogs and small animals has been nominated for Croydon Champions Charity volunteer.

Barbara Allen, 65, has worked with rescue animals for 42 years and with the Croydon Animal Samaritans for 38 years.

The charity helps and rescues animals, and aims to re-home all animals taken into their care.

The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-four said: "I suppose I have always loved animals since I was a small child.

There is an increasing need for small animal charities to take part in rescuing animals, the problem isn't getting any better, it is getting worse.

"We operate from our own homes and over the years I have taken in dogs and cats, but we have taken in other things. I once took in pygmy goats and a pot belly pig."

Nominated by fellow volunteer Sylvia Holmes, Mrs Allen was described as the "champion of animals."

Mrs Holmes said: "Barbara never turns her back on any animal in need of re-homing or fostering.

She is a true champion and works in all kinds of weather and when she should have been taking it easy after a food operation, she did not stop and hobbled about doing her best.

"She never thinks twice about herself, I have known her to get up at stupid times to go up to Kent or Suffolk to rescue chickens. She always goes out of her way to help the animals."

Speaking of the surprise nomination, Mrs Allen said: "It is a total shock, I don't do it for appreciation.

"There is an increasing need for them to be helped and if we are not there to help them we don't know what will happen to them."

The charity is always looking for new volunteers to foster animals, particularly during the summer months and to work in their shop in Cherry Orchard Road, Addiscombe.

To get involved visit croydonanimalsamaritans.co.uk.

Every week we feature some of Croydon's heroes on this page and we want your nominations.

All nominees will be shortlisted and invited to an awards ceremony in November.

Click here to nominate your Croydon Champion