INTREPID vets from Peebles have just returned from a gruelling expedition down one of the longest rivers in Africa.

Tanya Keane and Shona Winn, who both work at the Two Rivers Vets, fought rapids as well as fatigue on the gruelling fundraising challenge along the Zambezi.

And their efforts have been rewarded with a total of £7,244 being raised for the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) charity.

Veterinary nurse Tanya said: "I was definitely nervous about going on this trip, and not sure I would have been brave enough were it not for Shona persuading me with her previous experiences of Malawi and agreeing to come along.

"But really, I needn't have been worried.

"I'm not going to deny we had some slightly scary moments, such as a massive adult hippo charging at us across the bank, but overall I felt totally safe under the care of our guides.

"The canoeing was at an ideal level as it was challenging to keep going during long stretches if your muscles were beginning to ache, but definitely do-able for beginners - which we all were."

The WVS was founded by vet Luke Gamble in 2003, to provide a solution to the overwhelming demand for veterinary care and resources that were not available in many parts of the world.

From dog shelters in Thailand to elephant orphanages in Zambia WVS are now active in most corners of the world.

They also run sterilisation and vaccination programmes as well as sending out veterinary supplies and providing emergency responses.

As part of Shona and Tanya's expedition down the Zambezi, they stopped off at Lilayi Elephant Orphanage near Lusaka in Zambia.

The Nursery is home to the rescued orphan elephant calves.

They receive the dedicated care needed to get them through the vital, vulnerable early months and years of rehabilitation before they are moved to the Kafue Release Facility.

Tanya added: "The trip to the Lilayi Elephant Orphanage was eye-opening and sad but at the same time, amazing.

"Hearing just how dedicated the team are there makes me realise why WVS support them.

"They are trying to do things the correct way - tackling the real issue and educating locals.

"I wasn't expecting to get a behind the scenes tour and it was a lovely touch and a memorable experience.

"The new tiny baby really hit home with me, standing looking at us with her trunk over the fence, craving touch and attention, so deprived of this from her own mother after such a traumatic start to life."

For more information on the work of the WVS go to wvs.org.uk/