A dogs’ home re-built after a regional daily’s readers donated more than £1.4m is set to re-open.

The Manchester Evening News campaigned to raise the cash after the Manchester Dogs’ Home was gutted by a fire which claimed the lives of 60 animals.

Now the MEN has been given a preview of the centre built in the wake of the blaze, with facilities set to be opened later this summer.

The front page of yesterday’s edition featured a picture of a dog thanking readers for its new home, pictured below.

An editorial inside the paper reads: “Today, the MEN can show our readers the incredible difference they made when they raised £1.4m for Manchester Dogs’ Home to be rebuilt.

“The charity says the home is just weeks away from re-opening after a fire tore through its walls in September.

“This is a fantastic example of what community spirit can achieve. It shows the difference YOU have made.

“We salute our readers for taking up our challenge to help the dogs’ home with inspiring generosity and determination.”

A former block partially destroyed by the fire has been refurbished, and soon a number of homeless dogs will be moving in.

There are multiple kennels available and the charity hopes around 20 dogs will live in the new centre.

Nobody has been charged in relation to the blaze, which happened in September last year.

At the height of the appeal readers were making four donations every second.

The MEN editorial continued: “When we set up the donation page as news of the fire hit, we never imagined so many people would give so much.

“But once again the people of Greater Manchester showed their unrivalled kindness and helped turn a truly tragic news story into one of hope and optimism.

“Staff at the charity have proved their dedication and their hard work means the home will soon be open again to dogs looking for a new start in life.

“From the ashes of the fire, something truly wonderful rose. Thank you.”