THE fate of animals in distress more than 2,000 miles away will be the focus of a music quiz night in Watchet on Saturday, July 18, when the town’s bowling club raises funds to help working camels, donkeys, and horses in Egypt live better lives.

The quiz starts at 8 pm and the entry price for teams is £10.

Watchet Bowling Club decided to support Egypt Equine Aid after hearing harrowing stories of animal neglect and overwork from the rescue charity’s head of development Kate Hutchings, who lives locally.

Ms Hutchings said: “The way animals suffer in Egypt absolutely breaks your heart.

“The country has absolutely no animal welfare facilities and many owners are unable to look after their animals properly or pay for veterinary treatment.

“It is quite common to see horses or donkeys dead in the street.”

The charity was founded 13 years ago by Jill and Warren Barton after seeing the distressing condition of working animals while on a holiday in Egypt.

They moved there a year later to start their campaign to improve the lives of working animals, selling their house to fund the project.

Since then, Egypt Equine Aid has rescued or treated thousands of horses, donkeys, camels, and mules and helped owners look after their animals.

The charity runs a hospital and free mobile clinics for sick and injured working animals, provides rescue centres, and organises free training for veterinary students and assistants.

A bowling club spokesperson said: “As a nation of animal lovers, we felt this charity was a really worthwhile one to support.

“We hope to raise a really good sum at the quiz, both from the teams and possibly from subscriptions from guests on the night.

“Quizmaster Mick Cleveland has generously agreed to run the event without a fee.”