AN animal rescue centre in Herefordshire has paid tribute to its founder and the legacy she has left behind.

Carol Ann Smith founded Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue, based in Leominster, in 2001 to meet the needs of stray and abandoned dogs in the area.

Ms Smith died last week, and her passing left a hole in the centre's team.

"It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we need to share with you the very sad news of the passing of Carol," said a spokesperson from the centre.

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She has always been a huge part at the heart of the rescue, not always seen in recent years but kept everything running behind the scenes, said the spokesperson.

"Always committed to saving dogs, the kindest and most caring soul," they added.

The team said it was very shocked with the unexpected and heart-breaking news and has asked people to bear with the centre over the coming weeks.

The dogs will be its main priority as always, but the team may be a little slower at answering messages and returning calls at the kennels.

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"We know many of you would have had the pleasure of meeting Carol over the past 22 years and may like to attend her funeral, so an update will be posted when we know," said the spokesperson.