STAFF at an auction house in Dursley have been pounding the pavements all year in support of the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home.

The group that work at Manheim Auctions, in Dursley, have so far raised more than £1,124.76 for the centre near Cambridge.

Two of the staff, Chris Robbins and Sophie Hammond, participated in two 10K runs in Frampton-on-Severn and Berkley and the Stroud Trail Half Marathon to help the animal charity reach its target.

Chris said: “We are all great animal lovers in this company and everyone really got behind us in helping us to raise funds – it was great fun to do but it’s even better to know that we are going to make a difference to so many animals in need.”

Danny Healey the Manager of the branch was full of praise for his dedicated staff.

He said: “It was fantastic to see the whole workforce come together to support the charity and we’ve had such fun that we have decided that we are going to keep it as our charity of the year.”

Carolyn Blackburn is the chairwoman of Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home said: “We can’t thank Manheim enough for all that they have done for us over the past 12 months and it’s wonderful to know that they will be with us as we move even closer to making the centre a reality.”

She urged others to take part in the campaign which, having raised over 80 per cent of its target, is now very close to completion.

She continued: “Please do take some time to help us, give a donation at any of our charity shops, have your own 'Paws for Coffee' morning, volunteer some time to help us at our events – or if you have a company why not think about making us your charity of the year or holding a fundraising event to help.

"Every penny makes a difference to animals' lives not just for today or tomorrow but for generations to come.”

Work begun when ground was broken on land for the new home, near Cambridge, on Monday, April 13.

The project has spanned over the course of a few years and £3.25 million of the required £4 million has already been raised. The charity is now, in the coming year, making its final push towards the final goal.