READERS have raised more than £6,000 to ease a cash crisis faced by the RSPCA.

South Bucks RSPCA warned towards the end of last year that it desperately needed to raise £10,000 in order to continue its existing level of animal welfare.

Pat Edgar, branch officer, said the money raised would help put the charity back on an even keel.

She said: "We are very grateful and we thank all the readers who helped us reach our total."

The RSPCA has to raise £100,000 every year for its running costs, which include vet bills and contributing financial help to pet owners on state benefits.

Pat said: "The financial crisis occurred due to an increase in vet bills and the quantity of animals which come into our care.

"We rely on members of the public for our fundraising and people remembering us in their will."

Millions of animals are helped by the RSPCA every year. One of them was Ben the sheepdog, who was found at the side of a road in Bourne End in June last year, suffering from exhaustion and malnutrition.

He remained in RSPCA care until he was ready to be re-homed and is now a happy, healthy dog.

Among those that helped the appeal were police from Thames Valley and Devon and Cornwall forces who saw the article while on a course and raised £408 to help from an end-of-course party.

If you wish to give money to the charity, write to South Bucks RSPCA, 31 The Uplands, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 7JQ.