Homesitters - housesitting

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BETTY CASTLE (above) has been a house-sitter for Homesitters since she retired from the probation service's catering corps last October. With her husband Reg she has been on four assignments for Homesitters. Two weeks ago they spent the weekend looking after 24 sheep, two cats and a dog. 'My husband likes dogs,' she says. 'But I didn't want to get another one because they tie you down. This gives you the best of both worlds. This is like going on little holidays really.' Like all other Homesitters employees, Mrs Castle earns a basic of pounds 5 per day with small increments for extra duties, including looking after pets. She will also get her travelling costs and up to pounds 30 in food a week - but Mr Castle will have to fend for himself.