GENEROUS gym members raised raise cash for a local animal charity.

Staff and customers of Lifestyle Fitness, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, raised £161 for North East Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue.

Margaret Gardener, who has run the charity for eight years, said the money would go towards kennel and veterinary costs incurred in caring for abandoned and unwanted dogs.

She said: "We really appreciate it.

"It is very expensive looking after so many dogs because they are often in a bad way and need a lot of veterinary attention when we take them in.

"About 30 dogs need re-homing at the minute. We always do home checks and follow-up visits and help to match dogs to a home and give owners support."

The cash crusade was organised by gym manager Karen Stanford, who said: "Everyone knows how much I love animals and that I've taken in rescue animals before.

"When I told them about the dogs they were happy to help and very supportive. Lots of raffle prizes were donated from hampers to gift vouchers and the money was raised from ticket sales.

"I'm pleased we did so well and know it will help the charity, which does a lot of very good work but doesn't seem to get the financial support that other groups do."

Mrs Gardener is organising a shoe-box appeal for the dogs, asking people to donate toys, bedding, food and treats to the charity.

People can leave parcels at Spennymoor Leisure Centre or Deerness Kennels, at Langley Moor, Durham.

Outlets that can take shoe boxes are asked to call Angela Taylor on (01388) 812782.