KIND-HEARTED Blackpool folk have been digging deep into their pockets this week to help keep Blackpool's much-needed RSPCA centre open.

The Division Lane centre needs to raise £43,000 in the next six months or faces closure and a bleak future for its many furry occupants.

The centre is largely reliant on legacies and has been facing financial hardship for a while, according to RSPCA branch chairman and Talbot Road shop manager Les Jones.

So far the charity shop has received more than £1,000 in cash donations and a staggering amount of quality clothes and bric-a-brac have been dropped off at the shop.

"The amount of help and support we have received since advertising our plight has been enormous," added Les.

"It really is going well in the shop. I have got more than 30 pick-ups to do today (Tuesday) and the amount of goods we have received in the shop is staggering.

"We have lots of new or as-good-as-new Christmas decorations -- some are even from Harrods.

"The Fleetwood branch of the RSPCA have also been a great help and even took some cats off us. Premier Theatre Company in Fleetwood is also going to donate the takings from their last night.

"I have written to 20 local companies and am still awaiting a reply, but it is still early days.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped us so far and beg them to keep the goods and donations coming."

The RSPCA centre amalgamated with Lancashire Northern Borders branch in January this year. At that point the centre was looking for £113,000 to be in the clear. This has been reduced considerably with strenuous fund-raising but time is running out and there is still £43,000 to raise.

Blackpool and the Fylde RSPCA Inspector Greg Doughty explained the importance of the centre.

"I really don't know what we would do if it were to close," he said. "It is one of the biggest facilities in the area. The Fleetwood branch is much smaller and cannot house animals on its premises. It would make things very difficult for us, meaning we would have to try and place them in Preston or Southport.

"I really hope that they can raise the money. We are looking at running a sponsored rollerblading event around Lancashire to help."

Les Jones added: "We are very hopeful and by the way things are going it looks like we will save the money."

If you think you can help or would like to make a donation call the shop on (01253) 294481 or the centre on (01253) 763991.