Dogs at a Shropshire rescue shelter received an early Christmas present when students from Harper Adams University College handed over more than £800 to help care for them.

Veterinary nursing students from all years of the HND and degree courses took part in sponsored dog walks in October and November at the Dogs Trust home at Roden, raising money for the charity and lightening the load for the staff and volunteers there.

Three final year students visited the kennels this week to hand over a cheque for the funds raised.

Despite the credit crunch, which has led to an increase in the number of dogs in need of new homes, the students' friends and families, and college staff dug deep to support them to the tune of £825.67.

Home Manager Louise Campbell was ‘overwhelmed' by the sum raised and said: "I'd like to thank all the students and everyone who helped them to raise this much money. It's an amazing amount and will make a real difference to the dogs. It's not often I'm stuck for words, but this is just wonderful, thank you so much! I hope you had fun doing it."

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