An animal lover has set up a veterinary practice in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Former Maldon schoolgirl Emma Bolton, 28, set up the Vietnam Animal Welfare Organisation to help rescue animals and provide veterinary care.

Emma moved to Vietnam for a year to teach English after finishing a degree in forensic science at the University of Kent, and has now lived in Hoi An for five years.

She said: “I have always loved animals and seeing them out there every day it just felt natural that it was the path I would take.

“If I saw an animal needing care or a home I would take it in, but this would only go so far.

“So starting the organisation meant I could do more and help more.”

Emma and partner Catherine Bushe are currently fundraising to buy a new shelter and to be recognised as an official charity in the UK and Vietnam.