The Leicester Mercury has won a top RSPCA award in recognition of the support it gives to the animal charity.

It scooped the charity's first east regional prize, beating competition from papers across 12 counties.

It chose the Mercury for the "invaluable support" given to the Leicester branch, Woodside Animal Centre, which includes a Pet of the Week feature.

The feature has been running for more than ten years - with a 90 per cent success rate at finding owners for the animals, and the paper has also helped to raise thousands of pounds for the branch.

Mercury editor Nick Carter received a certificate and trophy from RSPCA director general Jackie Ballard.

Nick said: "It is great to have this sort of recognition, but our coverage is driven by the huge interest that our readers have in animal welfare. They want to know what is being done to help defenceless animals and they turn to us for that information.

"We have forged strong links with the RSPCA and will be working closely with them in the future."

Reporter Gemma Peplow was also singled out for particular praise.

It is the second award the RSPCA has given the Mercury. In 2001, the newspaper won a national award for its support for the charity.