STAFF and customers at a building society have helped abandoned pets in North Yorkshire by donating food, blankets and other items to a charity.

As part of its regular fundraising, the Northallerton branch of Darlington Building Society held a raffle, and staff and customers donated food, blankets, towels and other useful items to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Thirsk.

Blue Cross is a national charity that cares for thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses each year at its animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services.

Sarah Jefferson, customer service consultant at the Northallerton branch, said: “We’re very pleased to support the Blue Cross as it’s a charity that’s very close to our hearts.

“Most of us own dogs here, and so it seemed a natural choice. We raised funds through the raffle and also had a collection outside the branch.

“The charity has a large re-homing centre based in Thirsk, so we were very keen to help raise funds for re-homing and vital veterinary treatment.”

Emma Pannell, Centre Manager at Blue Cross in Thirsk said: “The donations of food and other items will help to make our resident pets more comfortable and the money raised is also gladly received and much appreciated.”

To make a donation to Blue Cross or to see the pets needing a loving home, please visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/support-us.