A DOG owner has raised hundreds of pounds for a charity that helps him care for his beloved pet.

Geoffrey Gregg takes his four-year-old crossbreed dog Patch to the PDSA animal hospital in Sunderland at least every three months for treatment for a skin allergy.

The 68-year-old, from Tursdale, County Durham, is so appreciative of the centre’s work, in particular the care of vet Jessie Hetherington, that he wanted to boost the charity’s coffers.

He gave £50 to B&M store in Ferryhill which made up a hamper and ran a raffle and collected donations, raising £305.38 for the PDSA.

Mr Gregg, who worked in the head office of the former United bus company, said: “It is free treatment but we always make a generous donation but I wanted to do a little more, I was absolutely delighted with how much raises as I would have been happy with £100.

“The PDSA is absolutely marvellous helping people look after their pets.

“Thanks to B&M’s assistant manager Rachel Hull, her team and customers for their support.”

Mr Gregg and Patch featured in a television advert for the charity and the photogenic pooch’s picture is on display in all PDSA shops.

Patch was named after Mr Gregg’s previous dog who hit the headlines in 2001 after he averted a potential rail disaster by discovering a gaping hole underneath the East Coast main line.