PET owners struggling to cover the cost of getting animals neutered are being urged to take advantage of the free service offered by a Bury animal lover.

Pamela Pearson, who runs the charity Prevent Unwanted Pets, is offering to help cut the growing numbers of dogs and cats who are destroyed because they have no homes to go to.

By making sure that there are fewer surprise litters of puppies and kittens, she hopes to reverse the current trend.

In addition to her fundraising work, Pamela (69) meets pet owners at the Armac Clinic on The Rock, Bury, where operations are carried out.

She said: "Most of the people who come in are pensioners, young couples and single parents with little money.

"Neutering is simple and not cruel. Most dogs are much nicer if they're castrated and a neutered tom cat is a pleasure to own," added Pamela, who is pictured at home with some of her own pets.

The service extends to rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs.

There is no means test but Pamela does expect owners to make any donation they can afford.

Anyone wishing to make use of the service should ring Pamela on 763 4728.