Saturday 4 December 2021

The RSPCA has launched a Christmas appeal for help as the charity is braced for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals as pet ownership soared during lockdown. It says pet ownership surged during the pandemic, with estimates of more than 3.2 million people taking on new pets.

With the return to work, the end of furlough and the rise we are seeing in prices and energy bills as we get closer to Christmas, they fear the increased stress and pressures will see a rise in abandonment, neglect and even abuse of animals. In the East Riding, there were 47 reports of animals being abandoned last winter – including 12 in December.

Beverley-based architects have scooped the title of Architectural Practice of the Year at the National Building and Construction Awards in London. Alessandro Caruso Architects was launched in January 2014, and is now a team of 10. The company offers design services to health & social care, commercial, education and residential sectors and their completed projects include the £6m Allam Diabetes Centre within Hull Royal Infirmary. 

And finally, artist Richard O’Neill responsible for artwork on the BeverleyFM.com website, including the current Saturday Market snow scene gracing our home page, has been voted Digital Artist of the Year for the second year running in the Yorkshire Prestige Awards.