Businessman Geoff Gelling has been co-opted onto the ManxSPCA’s board of management.

He joins a board of five other trustees/directors, all of whom donate their time to help run the ManxSPCA alongside its staff team and volunteers.

The charity says that Mr Gelling’s areas of expertise, developed over a long career in the financial services sector and as a school governor, enable him to add to the effective management and strong governance of the charity.

The ManxSPCA is the island’s only all-animal welfare centre, and it rescues and rehomes hundreds of animals every year. It also investigates several hundred reports of animal neglect and cruelty on an annual basis, providing education and support to owners whenever possible, and Geoff is keen to ensure that this work carries on.

He said ’The work of the ManxSPCA is vital to the wellbeing of both the Island’s animals, large and small, and to its community. I am looking forward to supporting the charity in various ways, and to ensuring its sustainability.’

Mr Gelling is a self-confessed sheep fanatic.

He is the proud owner of more than 40 sheep of various breeds, all of which have names and who are kept as family pets.

’Each one has a different personalit and they’re full of character - always able to put a smile on my face,’ he said.

Mr Gelling hopes to complete the Parish Walk on Saturday. He is raising money for the ManxSPCA.