AN animal lover is collecting donations to give to dogs and cats in rescues and living on the streets.

Gill Lewis, from Ipswich Road, Brantham, put out an appeal on Facebook asking residents in Manningtree and the surrounding area to give old towels, bedding, newspaper, cat and dog food and toys.

The items, also including small animal food and bedding, will then be packed up and taken to rescue centres.

She said: "I had kennels for 17 years in Rayleigh.

"On moving here I still do a small amount of rescue here and still via my Crofters Rescue page but wanted to help support some of the local rescues.

"When we ran our own place we received support and gifts every Christmas so decided to do similar here .

"I have a number of fosters in my home including Mia, an elderly springer who was dumped and found to have terminal cancer.

"She is living out her days with us and I was moved how caring people were towards her so decided to see if we could make a few more rescues lives a bit brighter this Christmas."

Donations will be given to the Manningtree foodbank for animals of poor families, Colchester Rough Sleepers for their dogs, Last Hope Rescue, Seesaw Animal Rescue, Mistley Place Park.

Gill added: "We have collected gifts and food for Colchester rough sleepers, our local food bank and a number of local rescues.

"As well as cats and dogs products and bedding we also need chicken and duck food, small animal food and bedding, old towels and blankets for the animal sanctuaries with farm animals and crushed oats for the swans as we are supporting Swan Watch as well."

Gill is also looking for help to deliver the items.

To help or donate items, find the Manningtree, Lawford and Brantham Animal Antics page on Facebook.