THE wonderful work of a Taunton man who works at an animal charity has been nominated for an award.

Richard Saunders, who works at the Rabbit Welfare, has been shortlisted for Animal Charity Employee of the Year in the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2017.

Now in their fifth year the awards celebrate the work done by animal charities and not-for-profit organisations, employees the work of charity teams, volunteers and employees.

Richard is a veterinary advisory at The Rabbit Welfare, which involves clinical work, as well as working as part of the RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund) team to further the welfare of all rabbits.

Information is published by the RWAF on how to keep domestic rabbits properly.

Mr Saunders also advises vets on tricky cases, and lobbying parliament on rabbit welfare.

More recently, he has been facilitating the import of vaccines against diseases fatal for rabbits.

Commenting on his nomination, Richard said: “I was surprised and humbled to have our work with rabbits rewarded with this nomination. Personally, this is a great honour for me, and I'm delighted that rabbit welfare is getting more and more recognition.

“Over the years, I really feel that my role has made a difference to the care of rabbits all over the world and I am privileged to work with such a dedicated team.”

Winners will be announced on April 27 at an awards ceremony in Birmingham.

For further information, and to view a full list of finalists, visit petplan.co.uk/charityawards