ANIMAL loving building society staff enjoyed a day helping out at a Teesside charity which rehomes unwanted and abandoned dogs.

The five colleagues from Yorkshire Building Society spent the day at Maxi’s Mates Rescue & Rehoming Centre helping to look after the dogs and doing DIY at the centre in Dunsdale, east Cleveland.

Jane Galliford, trustee at Maxi’s Mates, said: “Everything has been so hectic since we opened, we were really glad Yorkshire Building Society could come and help us.

“We plan on having 43 kennels to house stray and abandoned dogs but at the moment we only have 13. There’s a lot of work to do but we’re determined to get there. Volunteers are always welcome and we appreciate any support on offer.”

The team helped to paint the charity’s new kennels, took the dogs on walks and helped out with other daily duties.

Ruth Mackin, customer representative at the Stockton branch of the building society, said: “Maxi’s Mates is the only council pound, charity and rescue centre in Teesside that do not put dogs down and it plays a vital part in the Teesside community.

“We knew they needed as much help as they could to get the new centre up and running and were more than happy to lend a hand. We enjoyed it so much we can’t wait to go back later in the year.”

For more information on how to support Maxi’s Mates visit www.maxismates.org.uk