ON behalf of the local RSPCA Branch, Blackpool and North Lancs, we would like to express our thanks to The Shovels, Common Edge Road, Marton, and Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, who have both helped us in fund raising events recently and with helping to publicise our campaign.

As a self-funding organisation, run financially independent from the National Society, like all RSPCA branches, we rely on the generosity and support of the local community.

We would also like to say thank you to all those of you who are supporting us through the 4,000 Friends Appeal, and trying to help us reach the target of £5,000 a month of regular income, which is needed to prevent Longview -- our only Animal Centre -- from closing.

We are very touched by the response of local supporters, and we are pleased to let you know that, together, we have reached the £4,000 mark! However, there is still some way still to go, before the threat of closure can be lifted.

Anyone who would like to join our appeal, please contact Cathy on 01253 622659 (Wed-Fri), Longview 01253 763991, or call into our charity shop on Talbot Road, Blackpool. By donating just £2 a month, you would be making a significant contribution to the Appeal, and to local animal welfare work.

The branch would also like to remind anyone wishing to make a donation to their local RSPCA, or to leave a legacy, that they need to specify their branch name, eg. Blackpool & North Lancs; Fylde etc. Thank you.

RSPCA