A MAN who feared he may have to stop his charity collecting because of new licensing rules has been granted special permission to carry on fundraising.

Harold Burt is well-known in Looe, especially over the summer months, when he can be seen with his donkey parading around the town, collecting money for the Children's Hospice South West.

In the past seven years, Harold has raised more than £40,000 for the cause, by taking his donkey out three times a week from June to September.

Last month, he was sent a letter from Cornwall Council outlining a new policy, which bans animals from being used in fundraising and limits the number of street collections a member of the public can make in the same town.

At the licensing committee meeting on Wednesday, Cornwall Councillors decided that Harold could continue with his work.

A spokeswoman said: 'After considering all the opinions about Mr Burt, the committee decided he can continue to collect for charity three days a week from June, through to September this year and can still have his donkey with him.

'This is an exception to the current policy which is based on the former Caradon council policy.

'He will have to reapply for the licence next year when a new county-wide policy should be in place.'

Local campaigner, Jim Candy said: 'I am delighted Harold has been granted permission to continue with his fundraising.

'He has the whole community behind him and it's sensible the council made an exception to allow him to continue raising money.'