TESCO shoppers in Worcester will be urged to dig deep this week as leading animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, rattles collecting tins.

The money-spinner, part of the seventh annual RSPCA Week, is predicted to raise more than £250,000 for the organisation's branches in the two counties.

"Often described as the backbone of the RSPCA, the branches are responsible for raising money towards the cost of veterinary care in branch clinics as well as local animal welfare issues," said Stephen Mulholland, west central regional manager.

"They help rehome around 75,000 animals every year.

Appreciation

"RSPCA Week is a wonderful opportunity for the public to show their appreciation of the animal welfare work carried out by the volunteers day in, day out."

Fund-raisers will be outside Tesco's St Peter's branch in Worcester from today until Sunday, when food collections and other activities will be staged.

In addition, the charity is offering a microchipping service for dog owners at Tesco's store in Belmont, Hereford.

Sessions are due to take place on Wednesday, May 2, Thursday, May 3, and Saturday, May 5, from noon to 1pm at a cost of £12 per animal.