A TOUCH of animal magic has won a three-month reprieve for the RSPCA's Longview Animal Home.

A campaign to save the centre -- backed by The Citizen -- has received tremendous public support. As a result, the trustees of the charity's Blackpool and North Lancashire branch have allowed a further three months for fund-raising.

A cash crisis in the branch had made Longview's closure look a certainty, putting the future of many animals in doubt. But fundraisers may have turned the tide.

"The efforts shown by the fundraisers, and the support they have received from the public, has been remarkable," said branch treasurer Les Jones.

The branch aims to secure £8,000 in regular monthly pledges to run the home and they have already reached £4,200 -- close to the £5,000 target set to give Longview a stay of execution.

"Ten months ago, the branch trustees had to make a very difficult decision to close Longview. It was a tough decision to come to terms with -- we all had sleepless nights," said Mr Jones.

"To raise £4,200 in monthly donations in such a short period of time has been nothing short of incredible. However, I must still stress that all money raised through the appeal is for general branch funds which includes covering the costs of running Longview.

"Everyone concerned has worked very hard and the public have been very helpful. It would be very hard to close the centre now. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it's down to people's hard work.

"The committee is very optimistic about getting there."

If the fund-raising is successful the long-term goal of the branch is to open a new animal home to replace Longview. The existing centre caters for around 25 dogs and 30 cats but new premises could double the capacity and provide better access for the public.

Mr Jones added: "I apologise if people have become confused about Longview's future, but we have never really changed our minds. The trustees need to be assured that continuous income generation is fully in place before we can make a final decision. But the whole of the committee is behind the principle of keeping Longview open."

The branch needs to raise the money because each RSPCA branch is an independent charity which raises and spends money locally.

The trustees decided in November to close Longview but staff and supporters decided to raise funds to show the centre could be made viable.