AN 11-YEAR-old animal lover is doing an activity a day to help raise funds for a zoo fighting for its survival.

Ellie Mai Riddings, who is from Towyn and attends Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan in Abergele, has learning difficulties. She has two dogs which she 'adores' - Teddy and Buster.

When she overheard her parents speaking about Colwyn Bay's Welsh Mountain Zoo making a desperate plea for donations, she saw it as a perfect opportunity to offer her help.

Sister Ellyse Riddings, 23, said: "She has always had a love for animals. She has used them as a coping mechanism for when she feels anxious, sad or angry.

"Teddy and Buster help her with her day-to-day struggles with social anxiety.

"When she heard about the zoo struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic, she took it off her own back to try and do some fundraising.

"She is doing one activity a day to raise money, such as walking up and down her stairs 50 times and doing home workouts."

Ellie Mai has already raised more than £300.

Her mum and dad are Alison and Dale.

Ellyse added: "We are extremely proud of her achievements and overwhelmed by the ongoing support of friends during this time."

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EllyseRiddings to donate.