Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon says that she wants to make a documentary about the work of a former Harold Hill woman who set up an animal charity in India.

The singer has been made the patron of Animal Rescue Kerala (ARK) in Kerala, India which was set up and run by Avis Lyons, who used to live in Oak Hampton Square, Straight Road.

Alesha said: “I have got a huge amount of admiration for Avis, she is just so dedicated and even rents out her home in Harold Hill so that they can keep the charity going.

“It’s unforunate that she has to come back home but at some point I want to go to India and get her story and make a documentary about how she started this charity.”

Alesha first heard about Avis’ story when she received a letter from one of her fans asking for her help.

The letter contained an article that had been published in the Recorder about Avis, 70 who was looking for someone to take over the charity so that she could return home due to illness.

Alesha said: “I think it started as simple as my mum coming into the kitchen with a letter from a fan with an article attached.

“She knew home much I loved dogs and that I am an animal lover and she was asking to see if there was anything that I could do to help Avis.”

She added: “I have got seven dogs and a lot of them come from rescue homes, I always try to give a lot of my time to animal charities because that is my passion.

“It breaks my heart to think that all those animals would be back out on the streets, because of a lack of funds.”

Avis has managed to find a couple to take over the running of the charity.

Alesha says that she has planned a number of fundraising events to help the pair to run the charity including an auction.

Beverley Harris, Alesha’s mum has also written a book called Teddy’s Tales with the money raised going to ARK.

Alesha said: “Avis is incredible and I am just trying to do everything I can to raise the money they need to keep it going.”