TELEVISION star and model Jodie Marsh has vowed to give her support to Purbeck's Monkey World after her emotional meeting with a baby orangutan.

The 28-year-old wept with happiness after being introduced to eight-month-old baby Dinda, who was born at the sanctuary near Wareham and is now being hand-reared by keepers.

Animal-lover Jodie, an ambassador for People for the Ethical treatment of Animals (PETA), was overwhelmed by the experience on Saturday - a surprise Valentine's treat organised by her boyfriend Jay Boisvert.

She said: "She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. Orangutans are my absolute favourite animal. I've seen them before, but never this close, and never a baby. She's amazing."

The tabloid favourite, who rose to fame through glamour modelling and reality TV, was presented with an adoption certificate for Dinda, a gift from Jay. But she said she wanted to do more to help.

"With PETA, I campaign to raise awareness, and if anybody here asked me to do something to help, even if it was just cleaning out the pens, I'd do it. I'd love to."

She added: "I've always wanted to have my own animal sanctuary.

"This is my dream job," she added.

Monkey World Ape Rescue was set up in 1987 by Jim and Alison Cronin, who travel the world rescuing primates, primarily chimps. Its 65 acres are now home to 150 animals, many of which came from laboratories, or were being kept as exotic pets, photographer's props, or circus animals.

The centre's rescue and rehabilitation work have been turned into a hit TV series, Monkey Business. Jodie said she's "obsessed with it".

She added: "I'm so in awe of Jim and Alison and everybody who works here and the job they do. You only have to watch the TV show to see how dedicated they are and how much they truly love the animals."

Mike Colbourne, education officer and senior member of the team at Monkey World, said: "It's fantastic having Jodie here supporting us. Any help she can give us in letting people know what we do is great. We really rely on donations to keep going."

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