GLOUCESTERSHIRE has played a part in helping clear up the aftermath of the suspected arson attack on the Manchester Dogs' Home in which 60 dogs died and 150 others had to be moved to other shelters.

Stroud District Council, Teckels Animals Sanctuary in Whitminster, All Pets Pet Shop in Stonehouse, Tesco in Cam and Stroud RSPCA all opened their doors to accept donations from the public.

The response was so overwhelming that two council officers, Alexandra Myrie and Shelley Coles had to hire a 3.5 tonne van to drive up to the Cheshire Dogs Home in Warrington to drop off the donations.

But public generosity did not end there as Gullivers Truck & Van Hire from Gloucester waived the cost of renting the van and Quarhouse Cattery & Pet Services from Stroud covered the fuel costs for the 300 mile round trip.

Alexandra, an animal welfare officer for SDC, said: “The national and international response to the fire has been amazing with almost £1.5million already pledged to help the dogs and rebuild the home, and locally the generosity of Stroud district residents has been equally heart warming."

Donations included blankets, dog food, dog cages, treats and toys.

Alexandra and Shelley, who both work for the council’s environmental health team, stopped off at Special Friends Animal Medical Centre in Redditch to pick up their donations too.

Ceri Land, veterinary nurse at the practice said: “Alex and I went to Hartpury College together, so when I saw their plans to go up to Cheshire on Facebook, I messaged her and ask if she would mind calling in here on her way."

The practice donated large sacks of dog food, dog beds, toys and collars.