A rabbit refuge is £100 better off today, thanks to a volunteer who fosters unwanted pets.

Pauline Nelson nominated Bunny Burrows when Sainsbury's was asking its employees to chose local heroes.

And, over the weekend, she made the trip from her home in Middlesbrough to Richmond, where she was able to hand the cheque to refuge founder, Gwen Butler.

The two women have worked together in animal welfare in the past, with Ms Nelson offering a foster home to abandoned rabbits and guinea pigs when Bunny Burrows has been too full to cope.

"Gwen does a fantastic job and I thought, by nominating her, I could help," she said.

The refuge has just taken in a litter of rabbits found dumped in a skip in an alley in Redcar.

"Donations like this one are invaluable and we are very grateful for any help we receive," said Mrs Butler.

Bunny Burrows can be contacted on (01748) 824788