A YOUNGSTER from Shebbear College has generously decided to use her saved-up Christmas money to help rescued animals rather than buy some 'Heelies' skating shoes as she had originally planned.

Eight-year-old Savannah Whitechurch, who lives in Broadbury, Okehampton, has showed her compassionate nature after saving up her Christmas money to buy the skate shoes she had been wanting for some time — instead deciding to sponsor a dog at Woodside Animal Sanctuary in Plympton, after a recent visit.

Savannah is a keen animal lover and decided she really wanted to use her money to help the dogs at Woodside.

While at the kennels she chose to sponsor one of the dogs, understanding that she would be helping the sanctuary to support the animals in its care while they wait for their homes.

Her family have previously homed three Woodside dogs.

Savannah's mother was understandably proud of her daughter's decision and they chose to sponsor the kennel in memory of their dog, Millie.

Carole Bowles, from Woodside, said: 'It is always lovely to see the younger generation supporting us.

'For Savannah to choose to support our dogs instead of buying something she had been wanting is such a selfless act, which is rarely seen in children this age.

'We are extremely grateful that we were thought of and I am sure Savannah has a very bright future ahead of her.'

Woodside's sponsorship has grown since it started a few years ago.

There are mainly two different schemes available for sponsorship. Web-based sponsorship is available on the dog kennels, cattery pods and rabbit cabin and supports the animals in the sponsored kennels on their journey of being rehoused.

Sponsors can choose to have their name added to the website sponsorship page next to the animal they are supporting and will be able to see at any time who they are currently supporting.

The second option is to sponsor one of the animal groups which include Pigs Paradise (pigs), The Ba Ba Bunch (Sheep), HillBillies (goats), Horsey Haven (ponies), one of the three elderly cat units — Sunnyside, Cosy Cats or the Snug, the old dogs unit named Dunromin or the Welfare van. Sponsors of these groups receive two updates a year from the chosen group.

Anyone interested in sponsorship should go to http://www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk">www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk, contact the sanctuary direct on 01752 347503 or email generalenquiries@wood sidesanctuary.org.uk