An animal charity, based in Colne, said it is becoming  “desperate” as a van to transport animals can no longer be used.

Pendle Dogs, which rescues dogs across East Lancashire, has launched a fundraiser and is aiming to raise £10,000 to buy a new van.

Co-owner, Paula Knowles, said more than £5,000 has been raised so far.

She said: “We paid for the current van seven years ago. It was already six years old when we got it.

“It is worn out because it’s been driven around 2,000 miles per week and transports dogs from all over the country.

“We were initially going to replace the engine but engineers looked at it and said it’s just not worth it.”

Paula said the van is crucial to what the charity, and sister charity North West Pound Dogs, does in saving animals from pounds.

The van helped transport four pocket bullies that were left with extensive injuries when they were locked in cages without water, in Blackburn.

Dogs were left fighting for their lives after being left for dead in a Blackburn garage (Image: Pendle Dogs) Paula said: “On an average week we move five or six dogs from the pounds to our foster homes and to rescue spaces, but on a busy week it can be as many as 20.

“The van is crucial to what we do. Alongside Pendle Dogs, we run North West Pound Dogs which helps to empty dog pounds in this country. We also supply foodbanks with food using the van

“Sometimes we have three or four dogs on board. A car is too small. We need that security that the van gives us.

“We have struggled so much without it and are running on favours at the moment. It’s just not ideal in the long term.

"Now, we are getting desperate and running out of favours. We need the van, it is so important to us.”

Paula, who has helped run Pendle Dogs for 14 years, said she is “overwhelmed” with the level of support shown by the public.

She has also praised businesses for donating. Dave Fishwick’s Bank of Dave has pledged £500.

“We didn’t expect this response,” Paula said. “So many people stepped forward and said they wanted to help. It’s so humbling.

“I will be so [happy] driving that van around knowing the community has pulled together and purchased it.”

Paula said the charity has helped more than 125 dogs this year adding that a van will enable the charity to help even more animals.

She said: “It’s quiet at the moment which is ideal as we are without a van, but this can change instantly. This year, Pendle Dogs has helped 125 dogs which is a massive achievement for a little organisation like ours.

“We are non-stop and very proactive with what we do.”

To make a donation visit www.localgiving.org and search ‘Help Pendle Dogs replace their broken van’.