AN animal charity is seeking to recruit new inspectors to help make a real difference to the lives of animals in Essex.

The RSPCA is asking for daredevils who can abseil down a mountainside, swim 50 metres fully clothed, and handle anything from primates to pythons.

The charity is looking for 24 people to join its team of uniformed inspectors for the first time in three years.

The RSPCA is expecting thousands of applications for the coveted posts, but warns that the job is extremely physically and emotionally demanding.

Dermot Murphy, assistant director of the RSPCA Inspectorate, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to be an RSPCA Inspector.

"No day is ever the same and there’s no better feeling than knowing that you’ve made a real difference to the lives of animals.

“However, anyone considering this job needs to apply with their eyes wide open.

"It is not easy and you need to be strong mentally and physically to cope with the distressing sights you have to witness, the emotional situations you have to handle and the difficult decisions you have to make every day.

“But for the right person, this could be the chance of a lifetime to get their dream job working on the frontline to improve animal welfare.”

RSPCA inspectors respond to animal welfare complaints from the public, they advise owners on how to do the best for their animal’s welfare and, where necessary, investigate concerns.

Inspectors need to have a good working knowledge of relevant legislation and be able to compile a cruelty case file of evidence, where appropriate, to pass on to prosecutors.

Successful applicants will need to be physically fit to cope with the demands of the job - dogs can weigh up to 40kg and sheep 70kg.

Successful candidates will spend a year training, taking part in physical tests including a 50metre swim fully clothed,.

The deadline for applications is March 17.

For more information and to apply, visit rspca.org.uk/jobs.