The RSPCA has welcomed 16 new inspectors to its ranks to work on the charity’s frontline helping to prevent and investigate animal cruelty as well as rescue, rehabilitate and rehome or release animals in need.

They all successfully completed the inspector training course and graduated at a ceremony held at the animal welfare charity’s head office in Horsham in front of friends, family and their fellow staff.

Brian Dalton, head of the RSPCA’s learning and development team, welcomed the recruits.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see such hard-working, committed and passionate people achieving the next step and getting the recognition that they deserve.

“We hope they have long and happy careers with the RSPCA and are able to assist lots of animals – and people – who need a helping hand.”

RSPCA’s assistant director of the Inspectorate, Dermot Murphy, who said: “I’m really pleased to welcome all the new inspectors and to congratulate them on completing such a tough course.

“No one else does what the RSPCA’s inspectors do and England and Wales would be a much worse place without them so I wish them all the luck as they step out in their vans and continue to stand up for animals in their new roles.”

 Each new inspector was presented with a certificate and diploma and five special awards were also handed out to some of those recruits who had performed the strongest during the course - which involved seven months in the classroom as well as a range of practical assessments.