A FESTIVE fair has helped pay for the cost of Christmas Day care for abandoned cats and dogs.

The event at the RSPCA’s Felledge Centre, Chester Moor, Chester-le-Street, on Sunday, December 9 raised £1,234.

Four people also signed up for the RSPCA’s Safe Haven kennel/cat pen sponsorship scheme.

The centre is home to 42 dogs and 64 cats, and their care costs £15 per dog per day and £9.40 per cat.

The bill for Christmas Day alone comes to £1,231.

For Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day it could be as high as £3,694.

Centre manager Maggie Eden said: “We are really pleased with the turnout at the weekend.

“It was a really enjoyable day for everyone involved and we raised enough to pay for Christmas Day, which is great news.”

The figures do not include horses, which Felledge also cares for.

Ms Eden said: “Of course, we’re still appealing for donations. Caring for so many desperately needy animals is expensive and we really hope that, at this generous time of year, people will support us.“

Donors can call at the centre or post a cheque to RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, Waldridge Lane, Chester Moor, DH2 3BF.

The centre is open 11.30am to 3pm every day except Wednesdays.

Card donations can be made by calling 0300-123-0708.