A BUILDERS' merchant has launched a fund-raising appeal to help a grandmother fight Blackburn with Darwen Council's decision to take away her pet monkey.

Byrom Glass Company Ltd, Chapel Street, Blackburn, is hoping to raise the £1,500 that Mary Stanton needs to appoint a barrister to fight the case to keep her Capuchin monkey, Joe.

Last month Mrs Stanton was refused a dangerous wild animals licence after an environmental health officer deemed her house was unsuitable. Joe has been allowed to roam her Harrison Street home for the past 13 years.

Maralyn Rigby, who runs Byrom with her husband, Paul, decided to help raise the money after a member of staff, driver Craig Houghton, highlighted Mrs Stanton's plight.

Mrs Stanton's case will be heard on September 21 at Blackburn Magistrates' Court.