A Pontardawe student named the geek of the week is backing a campaign launched by TV star Joanna Lumley opposing animal medical research.

Emily Hopkin, aged 25, received a bursary from the Dr Hadwen Trust, and wants to embark on a career in genetics – but only working for a company which does not experiment on animals.

Emily was selected as the Trust's Geek4aWeek ambassador.

“I applied for the bursary because I am a huge animal lover,” said Emily.

“The work which the Trust is doing is fantastic and this is a great fundraising initiative which I am proud to be a part of.”

The campaign called Hadwen's Journey, headed by mascot Hadwen the toy beagle, is travelling around the UK to raise funds and awareness.

Supporters are invited to take pictures of Hadwen at landmarks in their area, before sending them to the charity for use on social media.

Dr Kay Miller, the Trust's group head of operations, said: "We want Hadwen's journey to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help us make a real difference.

“Medical research can and should take place without using animals.

"We now hope that Hadwen's journey around the UK continues with the help of those who would like to pass on a gift that has both an ethical and scientific purpose."

Statistics show that more than 4.1million procedures were conducted on animals for research purposes in 2013.

Ab Fab star Lumley was shocked by the statistics, and even more so when she learned that the results gained from the research may have no relevance to human beings.

She said: "I believe so strongly in the use of non-animal research."

The former New Avenger is calling on the public to join her in supporting "effective and cruelty-free alternatives”.

To support the fundraising campaign, visit justgiving.com/Hadwen

Hadwen the beagle is available to buy from the charity’s website, with proceeds going to support non-animal medical research.

For details, visit drhadwentrust.org/donate/online-shop-2