WARRINGTON Animal Welfare is hoping for a Christmas miracle to find a loving home for a furry family this festive season.

The Slutchers Lane-based rescue centre has taken in Staffordshire Bull Terrier Skye, nine, and her two crossbreed daughters who would love a home of their own in time for Christmas.

The four-legged family, all of which are recovering from untreated flea allergies, is just three of nine dogs which were taken into the rescue's care in a single day last week.

This includes an elderly chihuahua with a mammary tumour from over-breeding.

Covid-19 has meant an increase in demand for Warrington Animal Welfare, paired with a lack of fundraising opportunities due to lockdown restrictions.

Now, the rescue team has launched its Christmas appeal to help look after its animals until they find their forever homes.

A spokesperson for Warrington Animal Welfare explained: "This year, we have taken in pets from people who have sadly died, lockdown pets that were no longer wanted when people went back to work, sickly puppies that have been bred to meet the increased demand, pets which people could no longer afford to keep, and we have supported the community by offering pet food to those in need and much more.

"We don’t receive any government funding, so fundraising is critical to our rescue operating.

"Our rescue has remained active throughout the pandemic, albeit with new, safe ways of working and our doors remain open to help animals in need.

"We work 365 days a year to provide for the animals in our care, including all through the festive season.

"All the animals in our care really want is a home for Christmas, but until that happens we need to make sure they are well looked after, cared for and most importantly, loved.

"As the coronavirus situation continues, we really need help to survive these uncertain times, so we can help animals now and continue into the future."

To help Warrington Animal Welfare, you can donate items such as wet and dry pet food, poop bags, kitchen rolls, yard brushes, strong dog toys, washable scratching posts and waterproof dog coats.

Donations can still be dropped off at the centre but must be left at the gate to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.

Alternatively, visit amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/1P9I6QXKZ2KID/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_ws_e1R1tb1BTEV0H to purchase an item from the rescue's wish list.

Warrington Animal Welfare is also accepting cash gifts, as well as giving people the option to donate in someone else's name as a Christmas gift.

For more information, please visit warringtonanimalwelfare.org.uk/Christmas20.

To find out more about Skye and her daughters Bindy and Kahyah, search for Warrington Animal Welfare on Facebook.