A FUNERAL director in Covingham raised more than £50 for animal charity Blue Cross with their first ever coffee morning last week.

G & L Evans invited Sally Howse from the Blue Cross and Laura Ford and Jenny Fraher from Eastcott Vets to give advice to pet owners while they enjoyed cake, coffee and biscuits.

A cake shaped like a dog's face which was made by the area manager was raffled off to raise more money, the funeral directors gave £50 directly to Blue Cross, and several visitors donated generously to the charity.

Sarah Pudney, funeral director and office manager, organised the event.

She said: "It was really well-received.

"This is the first time we've ever done something like this we had 25 people through the door which is better than we expected.

"I wanted to do this because Covingham is quite community-minded and a lot of people have pets.

"They could come along, alleviate their worries and get advice about how to care for their pets, especially in the build up to Bonfire Night.

"Blue Cross do a lot for people who have to give up their pets due to death or illness

"I think we will make it a yearly thing."

Blue Cross finds happy homes for abandoned or unwanted unwanted cats, dogs, small pets and horses across the UK and keeps pets healthy by promoting welfare and providing treatment.

For more information and to make a donation, visit www.bluecross.org.uk