A PET shop in Swindon has joined a nationwide appeal to make sure unwanted pets get a festive meal over Christmas.

The Santa Paws Appeal, which launches on November 23 and continues until Christmas Eve, is aiming to raise enough money to fund three million dinners for abandoned pets.

Pets At Home, in the St Margaret's Retail Park, will be joining the campaign by the charity Support Adoption for Pets.

Amy Wilson, Support Adoption For Pets Fundraising Manager, said: “Every year we are amazed by the generosity of the nation and so we are delighted to announce that we’re launching the Santa Paws appeal once again.

"It is our mission to ensure that no pet in a rescue centre goes without a Christmas dinner, and we hope that people will spare a moment’s thought when Christmas shopping for their own beloved pets this year and make a donation to those pets less fortunate than their own.”

The team in Pets at Home Swindon will be raising money for Blue Cross Burford Rehoming Centre in Burford along with over 440 other Pets At Home stores across the country, who will be raising funds for their local rescue centres.

Customers will have the opportunity to support the Santa Paws appeal by donating 50p (enough to fund one Christmas dinner for a rescue pet) at the till point.

Pet lovers can also donate £3 by texting BOWL01 to 70070, or online at www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk/santapaws.