A weekly newspaper in Cheshire is celebrating after it helped to secure the future of the town’s RSPCA branch.

The Warrington Guardian launched an appeal for help in November when it was revealed the animal centre could close if it didn’t raise £30,000 by the end of the year.

Now the campaign target has been reached in less than two months thanks to the generosity of  readers.

Fundraising events included a collection at the Boxing Day rugby league clash between Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings, a sponsored walk organised by two schoolgirls and a 16-year-old asking her parents to donate money to the charity instead of receiving Christmas presents.

Group editor Nicola Priest added: “Yet again we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our readers who have rallied round to help save a much-loved charity in the town.

“We would like to thank everyone who has helped to raise the money in such a short space of time.”

Lisa McCaulder, secretary of the Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch, said they can now look forward to the new year with optimism.  “We can’t thank people enough for their help,” she added.