EMPLOYEES at an animal rescue centre near Potters Bar have thanked supporters for a record donation drive.

RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre, in Packhorse Lane, has tallied up figures from a fundraising appeal over the Christmas holiday.

Every year manager Anna White writes to supporters to ask for a donation to make the festive period special for more than 300 animals.

Mrs White said there was a “truly unbelievable” response this year with £5,000 being raised.

She said: “People were so generous and it made such a difference to our Christmas.

“The cats, dogs, rabbits, pigs, horses, hamsters and chickens all had their favourites for dinner

“We were able to buy loads of cabbage, spinach, lettuce, corn, apples, rawhide bones, the best tinned food, catnip mice, pepper-mints for the horses.

“It was heart-warming watching them all enjoy their treats and toys.

“Thanks to this amazing total we had enough goodies to keep their Christmas celebrations going for days, and we were also able to buy specialist foods like prescription diets-food that is specially recommended by vets for the most neglected animals being nursed back to health. We now have enough to last us three months.”

For more information on donating to the RSPCA centre visit www.friendsofrscpasouthridge.org.uk