A WEST Devon animal rescue centre says it is delighted with the support it received for its first ever triathlon event to raise money for Devon's rescue animals.

On September 1, a total of 62 sponsored members of the public turned out to walk, horse-ride or cycle ride to help rescue animals at the wingletang Animal Rescue Centre near Tavistock – some brave challengers even did all three!

The three part challenge, named 'Tri 4 Rescue' started at 10am with a four-and-a-half mile walk from rescue centre, finishing at the Peter Tavy Inn, where many of the walkers stayed for lunch.

This was followed by a six mile horse ride and a 13.5 mile cycle ride.

Niki Ging, who manages Margaret Green Animal Rescue's Wingletang centre with her husband Alan, said: 'We were absolutely delighted with the support for our latest event.

'So far we have raised around £2,000 and there is still more to come in.

The centre has seen an increase in the number of cats and dogs that have been brought to it in the last few months.

It receives no government funding and relies heavily on public support to care for the animals that come in until new, loving homes can be found.

Niki said: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who came to our triathlon event as well as those who sponsored.

'Also we would like to say a big thank you to Chris and Jo Wordingham who run the Peter Tavy Inn, for being so supportive of our event, and for serving brilliant food!'

If you would like to donate to Margaret Green Animal Rescue or are thinking of giving a pet a loving home, please call Wingletang Rescue and Re-homing Centre on 01822 810 215 or visit the website at http://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk">www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk for more information.