MORE than 150 animals have received vital help from a new pet rehoming centre since it opened in Radcliffe town centre six months ago.

An official opening celebration was held at the Blue Cross advice unit in Blackburn Street, with special guests the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Trevor Holt, and Mayoress Evelyn Holt, cutting the ribbon to welcome in visitors.

The advice unit began operating in Blackburn Street in January this year, and since then has helped 57 dogs, 50 cats and 49 other small pets.

Meanwhile, the charity shop which is located across the road, has raised more than £60,000 towards looking after pets in the charity's care since opening in September 2018 — despite facing the setback of a break-in earlier this year when burglars smashed through a window and set off fire extinguishers inside.

Those who attended the launch last Wednesday had the chance to meet Maddie the Staffordshire puppy, who is looking for a home, as well as Billy and Charlie — the first pets to find new owners thanks to the Radcliffe unit.

Kayleigh Hill, Blue Cross Rehoming Manager, said: "It was very special to officially open the centre and we want to thank all the guests who came to see behind the scenes and meet our special puppy Maddie.

"We are so pleased to have already helped so many pets and look forward to helping many more, and their owners, in the future.

"We are grateful to our volunteers and local supporters, without whom we simply could not do the work that we do to help the regions pets in need.”

The animal rehoming unit, which also offers pet advice and free microchipping, aims to provide support for about 350 animals in its first year.

Dogs spend the day in the rehoming centre where they are given one-to-one attention and care from the team of employees and volunteers, and meet potential new owners. They spend the night in local boarding kennels.

The unit also works with other rescue organisations to rehome pets directly rather than them being admitted into kennels.

A team of more than 50 local residents have already volunteered their help at both the centre and charity shop, which is open between 9am and 5pm.

The shop takes donations of good quality items such as clothing, books, homeware, toys and furniture.