MARGARET Green Animal Rescue is appealing to the public to bring some joy to a rescue dog this Christmas by filling a shoe-box with goodies.

Louise Keeling, who works for the rescue charity, said: 'We see an increase in animals coming into our care during the festive season and less people looking to give a rescued pet a forever home.

'Our heating bills are also more expensive than ever as we strive to make the kennels and cat pens more comfortable during the winter months.

'We are asking for kind members of the public to help a rescue dog this Christmas by filling a small empty box, or shoe-box, with tasty treats and toys for the dogs that are with us over the festive period.

'Each one that is with us on Christmas day will receive their own present and have fun opening them.'

Louise said if anyone would prefer to make a shoe-box for a cat, chicken or a larger animal such as a horse, pony or sheep, the rescue centres have all these animals with them at the moment and many more.

'Having a box of treats and toys to enjoy can make such a difference to a rescue animal that is with us over Christmas. We would like as many as possible so that each pet receiving our care can have one.'

The public is invited to drop off filled shoe-boxes at the Wingletang Rescue and Re-homing Centre just outside Tavistock, during opening hours up until Christmas.

Some suggestions for fillings include good quality cat or dog food, dog toys such as a tennis ball, squeaky toy or Kong, cat toys such as Catnip mouse or a ping-pong ball, packet of pet treats, pet combs, blankets, jars of peanut butter or Marmite, tin of hotdogs, small bag of corn or a small pot of dried meal worms.