AN animal charity has been saved from the brink of closure thanks to generous shoppers in Amblecote.

Wellcat Cat Rescue, which takes in cats and kittens from Stourbridge and the surrounding areas, was in financial difficulty last year due to rising vet and food bills.

To ease the burden, Sainsbury's supermarket in Amblecote arranged for a collection bin to be placed behind its checkouts, allowing customers to donate cat and kitten food for the charity.

Since then, the Quinton based charity, which is totally reliant on public support, has managed to stay afloat.

Pauline Beasley, who founded the charity in 1987 said she was overwhelmed by the support.

She said: "People are still struggling to pay their own food bills and to dig deeper into their pockets for cat food is an amazing show of kindness.

"I would really like to thank the store and its customers for their generosity.

"Running a cat rescue is very expensive. Our vets' bills alone are £2,500 a month. But not having to buy so much food has really helped us to get back on our feet."

Store manager, Kevin Healy, added: "We are delighted to have played a major role in helping a local charity. This store is very community minded and we are proud that our customers are always so ready and willing to help support good causes close to their hearts."