An animal charity is more than £8,000 better off thanks to the fund-raising efforts of a weekly newspaper.

The North Devon Journal set itself a target of £7,500 in eight weeks for an animal treatment centre – and smashed the total by a further £1,000.

Trainee reporter Jane Steeples carried out all the day-to-day work on the Misty Appeal, named after a pony rescued by the charity.

Animal lovers and well wishers who read the Journal’s campaign coverage came up with their own ideas to help the appeal reach its target.

A local takeaway donated 50p from every fish and chip meal sold, while 20 staff from a veterinary practice that regularly helps the charity completed an arduous Royal Marine commando challenge, raising £1,600 in the process.

Managing editor Andy Cooper said: “This was a small campaign to take us through to Christmas.

“We’ve had experience in the past that this is a charity the North Devon public responds to tremendously well, so when the organisers asked for our help it was a no-brainer.

“We have a plan to launch a major, long-term appeal for a medical charity in a few weeks, although we might have to re-evaluate the timing that in the light of events in southern Asia and the local response.”

He added: “Our reporter, Jane, did an excellent job.

”It was an ideally sized appeal for someone to cut their teeth on – and one with a goal we were certain was attainable. It was bound to be a win-win situation.”

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