ANIMAL rescue centres are looking for people to donate presents for their animals over the festive period.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield and the RSPCA Animal Shelter, in Altham, have appealed for shoeboxes full of toys and treats to help spread Christmas cheer.

The gifts can range from solid rubber toys, food pouches, small blankets, cardboard tubes, unsalted nuts, cream crackers and grooming brushes.

The appeals comes as Bleakholt opened its Christmas fair yesterday, with a visit from Father Christmas and his elves who brought along four reindeers, Holly, Ivy, Olaf and Sven.

Guests also enjoyed Christmas stalls, crafts and refreshments.

A Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary spokesman said: “The event was a great success and it was very busy.

“The children enjoyed seeing Father Christmas and the festive cheer was in full flow.

“The shoebox appeal is great for the animals as they get very excited when the presents come along.”

Zoe Waite, deputy manager at the East Lancashire RSPCA centre in Enfield Road, said they have had a generous number of shoebox donations so far.

She said: “We’ve had a tremendous amount of donations this year, it’s been really good.

“We’ve been getting three shoe boxes a day, but we can never have too much so we hope it continues.

“People can donate anything they like, the dogs love the toys, the cats love the food.”

Anyone wanting to make a donation or to find out more about the sorts of treats needed is urged to visit the reception areas of both centres.