British violinist Vanessa-Mae has been announced as global ambassador for Cruelty Free International, to coincide with the merging of BUAV and Cruelty Free International under one name.

Vanessa-Mae commented 'As the new global ambassador for Cruelty Free International, I am dedicated to using my passion to stand up for animals in laboratories. It is heart-breaking that over 100 million animals suffer and die in experiments around the world every year. But we can make the difference. Please join me in calling on the world's leaders to have the courage to do the right thing for animals. Together, we can make the world cruelty free'.