A TIBBERTON animal sanctuary, which has faced closure in the past due to dwindling funds, is celebrating after receiving a double boost.

Danemere Animal Rescue Centre, in Tibberton, has received £500-worth of vouchers in the Helping Hands initiative and has just been given the green light to build a block of kennels to house stray dogs.

Under the Helping Hands scheme - a joint venture between the Advertiser and the town's new Wilkinson store - Spa charities and organisations were able to apply for a slice of £2,000-worth of Wilkinson goods.

Danemere, which has been through some hard times in the past, particularly during the foot and mouth epidemic, received one of the biggest handouts.

The rescue centre's second lot of good news came when Wychavon District Council planners gave the go-ahead for the building of a 12-kennel block to house stray dogs from the district.

The dogs will stay there for up to a week then, it is hoped, they will be rehomed by Danemere or taken to the National Canine Defence League, where a new owner will be found for them

The centre's supervisor, Dave Lannie, was delighted with the good news.

"Obviously these two things are a big boost to Danemere and we're all really happy here," he said.

"The vouchers that we were given will now be put towards equipment for the new kennels such as bowls and brushes; things that don't seem much but really do eat into the money we have raised.

"If we have any money left over we will then put it towards nicer things for the animals such as toys and treats.

"To be able to build the kennels is also very good news because it will mean that strays in the area will hopefully have a better chance of finding a new loving home."

If you would like to donate money to the centre, which houses all sorts of animals including dogs, rabbits and birds, or even a couple of hours a week to help walk a dog, you can contact the centre on 01905 345655.