Dawlish's nearest animal rescue centre has launched an online Christmas appeal, in place of the visitor event it would usually hold during the festive season.

Animals In Distress at Ipplepen normally has a Christmas Giving Evening, in which the centre is decorated and people can come along, bring presents for the animals, tour the centre and enjoy refreshments.

Since that can't happen because of Covid-19, the charity is inviting local animal lovers to buy a personalised pawprint decoration for its online Christmas tree.

How does the pawprint appeal work?

By visiting the Animals in Distress website, people can make a donation and create their pawprint, with a photo and message. The pawprints are added to the image of the tree so that everyone can see the words and pictures.

Some people have already donated in memory of pets they have lost.

Others may buy a pawprint in memory of someone special who loved animals, or use one to send a message to friends or family, instead of sending Christmas cards.

The centre suggests a donation of £20 for each pawprint, or a minimum donation of £100 for the shining star at the top of the virtual Christmas tree.

Every pawprint will feed one of the animals at the centre for a month, and if the target sum of £1,000 is reached, that will feed all the animals there for the whole of December, including their special Christmas lunch.

To find out more, visit the Animals in Distress website