DURING the past 45 years Ida Hayward has devoted her life to looking after creatures great and small.

From rats and cats to dogs and frogs - she has never turned any away. But the daily demands have taken their toll and she has decided 'enough is enough'.

Nevertheless, her work is to continue with Joyce Falconer and Rachel Knapton taking over the helm.

Ida has helped thousands of stray animals after she and friend Barbara Grimbly founded Hereford Animal Aid more than four decades ago.

The organisation began when Ida was offered a shed near her flat at the Hereford Training College, where she was the housekeeper.

At one point she had 15 rescued dogs awaiting new homes.

She remembered: "One time one of the dogs killed what I thought were two chickens and I thought I would quickly go and find two more before anyone noticed.

"The place where I got them from were sexing day old chicks and killing all the baby cockerels so I said I could probably take a few - half-a-dozen.

"When they dropped them over at the flat later I realised they had misheard and thought I had said six boxes - each containing 100 chicks. There were chicks everywhere and I was madly trying to find homes for them.

"And the worst thing was when I got back, I found one of the chickens the dog had got had recovered, so I also had to explain why we had an extra one!"

After setting up the organisation, Ida and Barbara soon found themselves inundated with unwanted animals including pets such as ferrets, rats, chinchillas and a flying squirrel.

Now, after more than 40 years, Ida is content with her two dogs, Sofee and Dina.

Joyce commented: "What can you say about a woman who has done this for 45 years. She's the most fantastic lady. She's a fountain of knowledge."