A WITTON Church Walk pupil is taking it upon himself to make sure rescue animals aren’t left out this Christmas.

Eleven-year-old Harry Greig has joined his mum Khorie in helping out at the RSPCA Altrincham and Cheshire branch in recent years, and this year wanted to spread the Christmas joy to his four-legged friends.

After telling his mum he wanted to help in any way he could, the pair decided to bring the RSPCA shoebox appeal to Cheshire, ensuring more rescue pets can join the celebrations next month.

Khorie said: “As a family we volunteer our time to foster cats and kittens for the RSPCA Altrincham and Cheshire branch, which covers Northwich.

“Harry and I have been bottle-feeding orphan kittens, helping abused cats and neglected felines for over six years. We’ve even fostered bunnies, hamster, dogs and mice.

“This year, Harry told me it made him sad that so many animals in rescue won’t get a Christmas present. He said it wasn’t fair as most of the rescue animals have had such a tough ordeal, he wanted to help bring them joy at Christmas.”

After deciding upon the shoebox idea, Harry and Khorie designed posters and flyers to display at Ark Vets and Witton Church Walk, where Harry will be urging his fellow pupils to give their own donations throughout December.

Recommended donations for cats include fluffy blankets, treats and bowls, while dogs would welcome toys, blankets and food.

Rabbits could make use of heat pads, hay and tunnels to play in, which would also suit hamsters along with wooden chew toys.

Khorie and Harry have fostered around 500 animals over the past seven years, as one of just three foster homes in the Northwich area. The Altrincham and Cheshire Branch has no dedicated rescue centre.

Khorie added: “It’s the best-paid job in the world – you just happen to be paid in love.

“The least we can do for these animals is give them a present for Christmas.”

Northwich’s collections point is Ark Vets in Kingsmead Square.