A British rock legend is staging a benefit gig for a struggling north-east animal sanctuary.
Former Queen frontman Paul Rodgers, who was also a members of 1970s rockers Free, has announced he will give all proceeds from a concert in London to the Willows haven, near Strichen.
The musician, who now lives in Canada, revealed he was a fan of the charity after hearing about the plight of one of its many four-legged residents.
Plucky pig Babe hit the headlines when she fell off a lorry on her way to market – right outside Willows’ gates.
She has since become one of the sanctuary’s star draws.
After reading about her story in the Press and Journal online three years ago, Mr Rodgers contacted the centre and asked to sponsor 13 animals – including Babe – as Christmas presents for his nieces and nephews.
He and his wife Cynthia jetted over to visit Willows in 2012 and since then they have pledged to do all they can to support staff and volunteers who have battled a series of cash flow problems.
The sanctuary, which cares for more than 200 creatures of all shapes and sizes, is entirely reliant on public donations.
It also runs a successful animal-assisted therapy programme.
Yesterday, it was announced that Willows will receive all money made from Mr Rodgers’s next UK gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London, on Monday, November 3.
The concert will promote his latest release, The Royal Sessions, which was recorded in Memphis with a host of musicians from the classic soul era.
Last year, he held a charity gig in Chichester, raising thousands for Willows and another animal charity.
Willows has previously received support from other music stars, including ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and Macduff chart-topper Sandi Thom.