STUART Murray has swapped the sight of pounding treadmills for animal pounds after becoming the new operations manager at Bleakholt sanctuary.

The 58-year-old former leisure boss took up the role last month and his main aim is to help the Edenfield animal centre, which relies wholly on charitable donations, become more sustainable over the next three to five years.

He comes with a wealth of experience from his previous role was Chief Executive at Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.

Stuart’s background is in parks and leisure and he admits this role will be similar, but "with the addition of animals".

“I feel I have got the experience to make a difference here. It’s a great place and superb work has been done here over the years,” said the father-of-two, who has two dogs and lives in Hebden Bridge.

“I have always worked outdoors on the parks or in the leisure industry and this is similar although with the addition of animal care.

“I want to carry on the traditions and values of the sanctuary but also, over the next three to five years, modernise the sanctuary and make it more sustainable for the future.

“There are already changes being made such as a new puppy unit which has just been completed and a hay barn where we can store hay instead of buying it, which is obviously important.”

Bleakholt was started in the 1950s when one lady Olive Lomas saved a donkey named Maudie from slaughter.

Now it boasts a 55 acre site which still houses donkeys as well as horses, pigs and goats which are not for rehoming, but can live out their lives in the countryside.

For other animals, such as cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, they hope it’s a shorter stay as they are rescue animals looking to be rehoused with caring families.

The sanctuary relies on donations but do have charity shops, a cafe on site, and open days to boost their coffers, as well as money bequeathed to it from wills.

Stuart added: "We do rely on volunteers and supporters and these are fantastic - Bleakholt wouldn’t be here without them. It is still a tough economic climate but we can all take the sanctuary forward and help it thrive even more.

“I have only been in the job for a short time but I am hoping to soon make strides forward once I get more familiar with how it all works.

“I am already getting used to hearing dogs barking and dodging hay bales!”