An animal sanctuary is appealing for shoeboxes filled with animal goodies for its many residents ahead of Christmas.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield is asking animal lovers, groups and businesses to fill empty shoe boxes with treats and essentials to help spread festive cheer.

From dogs, cats and goats to donkeys, horses and rabbits and more, the 55-acre sanctuary rehomes more than 1,300 animals each year.

Sanctuary manager Karen Weed said: "We run our shoebox appeal every year and we love to get everyone involved from individuals to schools to businesses.

"All items can be easily collected and are not expensive.

"It means our animals, from our short-term residents in dogs and cats to our lifelong residents in pigs, goats, horses and more, have some treats to open on Christmas Day which is lovely."

Bleakholt president and TV star Gemma Atkinson, from Bury, grew up visiting the sanctuary and has been officially championing them for the past eight years.

TV star Gemma Atkinson has been Bleakholt's president since 2016 (Image: Bleakholt)TV star Gemma Atkinson has been Bleakholt's president since 2016 (Image: Bleakholt)A Facebook post detailing the appeal has been shared almost 500 times, with kind-hearted people pledging support from as far as Canterbury.

One commentor on social media said: “Great idea will definitely do and post in time for Santa paws.”

People who would like to get involved can drop boxes off at the sanctuary, which is open for visitors each Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Supporter Stacey Brackenridge donated boxes last year in memory of her late dog McCoy (Image: Stacey Brackenridge)Supporter Stacey Brackenridge donated boxes last year in memory of her late dog McCoy (Image: Stacey Brackenridge)Shoebox appeal items needed:

Cats

  • Scratching posts/toys
  • Furry kitten toys
  • Whiskas tin/pouch in jelly
  • Fleece blankets
  • Cat nip
  • Snugglesafe heat pad
  • Feather toys
  • Kitten pouches
  • Sardines in sunflower
  • Kitten feeding bottles
  • Dome beds

Dogs

  • Pedigree Schamkoes and Dentastixs
  • Whimzees
  • Harrington wet and dry food
  • Collars
  • Fleece blankets
  • Squeaky toys
  • Gravy bones
  • Kongs
  • Secure harnesses
  • Lily’s Kitchen wet food
  • Sardines

Farm

  • Small animal water bottles
  • Boredom breaker chews
  • Healthy animal treats for small animals
  • Crackers
  • Weetabix
  • Salt / mineral licks
  • Small pet bowls
  • Snugglesafe heat pad
  • Pellet/ nugget type rabbit food

Stables

  • Grooming brushes (dandy, body, hoof picks)
  • Small treats
  • Treat balls
  • Small head collars
  • Salt/mineral licks
  • Lead ropes
  • Mints (but not extra strong)