AN animal lover is helping rescue dogs enjoy a treat this Christmas with her Doggie Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

Martine Taylor, from Longford, will be helping spread festive cheer to animals without their own family to spoil them.

Her aim is for people to donate shoeboxes filled with animal-friendly goodies such as treats, toys and winter coats which will be handed out to rescue centres.

The 35-year-old said: "I am not linked to any rescues, I just wanted to do something special in the festive period.

"I have Cavaliers that show and do agility competitions, and they are spoilt rotten at Christmas.

"I had started shopping for them and then I remembered all the dogs without a human mum, so thought it would be nice to spread the same feeling to dogs that do not get that spoilt at Christmas."

Anyone who would like to create a shoebox should wrap it, fill it with goodies and label it as suitable for a small, medium or large-sized dog.

People can also create boxes for cats and should specify this on their box if they choose to do so.

Martine added: "The rescues said the dogs love enrichment toys that are heavy duty, training harnesses, training head gear, antlers, chappy meat, pedigree puppy meat and treats- they are grateful for anything."

In Warrington, drop-off points include The Maltings pub, Julie Hogan Textiles, Mucky Mutz Orford, Mucky Mutz Latchford, Studio Bonita and Rose Tree Farm boarding kennels and cattery.

Johnson and Wood Veterinary Clinic in Newton-Le-Willows is also accepting shoeboxes.

They will be collected by Westford Couriers after December 18 when they will be handed out to rescue centres and dogs' homes.

For more information, or if your business would like to become a drop-off point, visit the Doggie Christmas Shoebox Appeal Facebook page.