Zayn Malik becomes Hopefield Animal Sanctuary ambassador

Zayn Malik said he was honoured to be the new ambassador for the Essex-based animal charity

Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik has become the latest ambassador for an Essex-based animal sanctuary.

The 30-year-old rose to fame in 2010 when he entered season seven of the X Factor and was placed in boy band One Direction.

Malik said he was honoured to be working with Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood.

Leona Lewis, who won the X Factor in 2006, is also a trustee at the sanctuary.

Malik, whose hit songs include Pillow Talk and Still Got Time, announced the news on Instagram to his 51.7 million followers.

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In a statement, he said: "Hopefield Animal Sanctuary provides a safe place for abandoned and mistreated animals.

"They educate the local and afar communities on animal welfare and I'm honoured to be partnering with them to spread their message and save animals in need."

The 53-acre sanctuary is made up of fields and enclosures, and says it cares for more than 500 sick, unwanted and mistreated animals.