A RESCUE dog who has spent almost a year with an animal rescue is the loveable face of a Christmas collection campaign.

Sasha the cross breed is helping inspire animal lovers across Warrington to get involved in the fourth year of Willows Veterinary Group’s Christmas appeal.

The six-year-old dog arrived at Laurel Animal Rescue in Newton-le-Willows when her owner's work hours changed, leaving Sasha alone for long periods.

Bev Gaffney, Laurel Animal Rescue’s founder, said: "She just wants to be with people.

"She’s black which never helps as they are the least popular colour, cat or dog, which people are after.

"She’s a bit quirky looking with her ear sticking up and no tail but what she lacks in conventional good looks, she more than makes up for in love and loyalty."

Now, Sasha the excitable pooch is helping Willows Veterinary Group, which runs Beech House Vets in Wilderspool Causeway, Birchwood Vets, Orford Lane Veterinary Surgery and Lymm Veterinary Surgery, receive donations from the public.

Each veterinary practice is acting as a drop-off point for unopened pet food, new toys, blankets, bedding and treats for animals of all types.

The donations will be distributed to various animal rescue charities and organisations across the region.

David Crane, Willows Veterinary Group marketing manager, said: "Our clients have shown us year on year how extremely caring they are towards needy animals needing a little bit of extra TLC over the festive period.

"In past years, we have had trolley loads of food, blankets, bedding and toys donated by generous people across all of our surgeries and our teams work hard to make sure it finds its way to these lovely animals, like Sasha, all trying to find a new home."

You can drop off donations at any Willows Veterinary Group Surgery by Friday, December 20.

Laurel Animal Rescue is also on the look out for foster carers and new families for their dogs and cats.

You can contact 07518 256160 or laurel_animalrescue@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

Anyone interested in adopting Sasha should be aware that she needs a household with adults or older children where someone is home most of the time.

She loves walk so will need plenty of exercise and a canine friend would help her progress.