World Animal Day began in 1931, when ecologists at a conference in Florence nominated October 4 (the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals) as an ideal way of highlighting the plight of endangered species.

Since then it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and has been widely celebrated in countries as diverse as Australia, Malta, Singapore and Lithuania.

The aim of the event is to unite the animal welfare movement by encouraging everybody interested in animals throughout the world to use the day to express their love and concern for animals and to celebrate our unique relationship with the animal kingdom and the numerous ways in which animals enrich our lives.

World Animal Day is not linked to any one individual, organisation or campaign, but belongs to everyone.

Visit the official World Animal Day website at www.worldanimalday.org.uk for ideas of how to get involved.

In the resources section of the site, you will find everything you need to organise a successful World Animal Day event.

Many of the ideas are relatively easy to organise, however, if you feel like being a bit more adventurous, you will also find ideas that require a little more time and effort.

The site also features an event listing facility to provide free publicity to any group or individual who is doing something special connected with animals on or around October 4.

World Animal Day is supported by a host of top celebrities, including mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington, TV vet Emma Milne and model Nell McAndrew.

"It's wonderful to think that people from all over the world can work together to help the animals," said Milne.

"I wish you all the luck in the world and hope the event is the resounding success it deserves to be!"

McAndrew added: "Support World Animal Day and celebrate wildlife and the animal kingdom."