Benjy, the gay bull whose story attracted headlines around the world, is set to join the Diaspora in England.

The bull was saved from the slaughterhouse by co-creator of The Simpsons Sam Simon - who put up more than €6,000 to secure Benji.

Mr Simon - a longtime vegan - said: "PETA told me about Benjy, and I felt compelled to help. All animals have a dire destiny in the meat trade, but to kill this bull because he's gay would've been a double tragedy."

"It thrills me to help PETA and ARAN make Benjy's fate a sanctuary rather than a sandwich," he added.

Benjy was bought for breeding with female cows - but so far he is only shown interest in other bulls.

The story prompted the animal charity PETA to launch a campaign to save him.

The Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) has been working on the transport arrangements to get Benjy from his farm in Co Mayo safely over to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in the UK.

Benjy will be leaving Claremorris in Co Mayo tomorrow for the sanctuary.

John Watson from Hillside says he is delighted to welcome Benjy to the centre. He outlined the plans for Benjy to Newstalk Breakfast.