AN AERIALIST in the circus has swung into action to help an animal shelter in Greece which supports hundreds of strays.

Steph Bates, who lives in Poole, is selling T-shirts and hand-painted bags to raise funds for the Zante Strays charity.

The shelter is run by a small group of volunteers, who give up their time to do all they can to help animals on the island.

After spending four weeks with the circus in Zante this summer and seeing the lack of respect shown to the strays, Steph said she had to do something.

“It was shocking to see how the animals are treated out there,” she said.

“You read about it, but when you have seen it for yourself the reality of it hits you.

“We saw people throwing puppies around like they were balls and bouncing them on the ground.

“I found out about the charity which took the animals in and it was just up the road from where we were staying.

“I got in contact with them and they allowed us to visit initially. After hearing about the work they do you realise how much they do with very little support.”

During her time on the Greek island of Zakynthos the performer volunteered at the shelter, which sees five ladies look after more than 250 dogs.

Where possible the shelter gives the animals veterinary care as well as a safe place to stay.

Alongside looking after as many animals as they can, Zante Strays attempts to provide them with caring owners across Europe through adoption schemes.

Upon returning home, Steph decided to do all she could to give the charity some financial backing.

“What the money goes towards directly depends how quickly we raise it,” Steph added.

“The charity needs help to get through the winter months, which can be quite harsh out there.

“If the funds are used after winter they can use it for more kennels, pens and food.”

The ‘Respeito’ T-shirts and hand painted dog-themed bags are available to buy online, with around £10 from every T-shirt sale going to the registered charity.

The campaign has gained celebrity backing, including from TV presenter Dominic Littlewood and American actor Joel Lambert.

For more information about the shelter visit www.zantestrays.gr and to buy any of Steph’s items visit www.dumbblondeclothing.com.