A local title’s publisher has stepped up her efforts to help animals in Africa.

Rasa Dregva, who publishes Maidstone & Medway Magazine, has signed up the title to be official media partner of The Big Cat Sanctuary’s Project Lion Charity Ball.

It comes after Rasa visited Kenya to report on the work being undertaken at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which plays a key role in protecting some of the world’s most endangered species.

She now also sits on the charity’s fundraising board.

Discussing her trip to Kenya, Rasa said: “It was an opportunity to see first-hand the efforts being made to protect some of the animal kingdom’s most precious creatures.

“On one day we were taken to see the last two remaining Northern White Rhino in the world. These creatures were once abundant across central Africa. But now they have been hunted by poachers to the very brink of extinction. Now just two of this sub-species remain. And they were both female.

“When they die, so does the Northern White Rhino. Forever. It brought home to me the impact we have on wildlife and just why it is so essential we fight back on their behalf.

“At Ol Pejeta, they are doing just that. And it is only possible through continued financial support from the likes of The Big Cat Sanctuary.

“At the conservancy, rhinos of various sub-species, giraffes, lions, elephants and hyenas roam the vast wilderness. Here they can enjoy some protection from the relentless march of man’s greed.

“The conservancy also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians.”

The ball will be held at Eastwell Manor, in Ashford, on 16 June.

Rasa added: “This special event at Eastwell Manor will help raise funds to continue very important work such as this to help protect the survival of these species.”