MORE than 150 pets have been helped in Ludlow thanks to a partnership between a charity and a local food bank. 

The Blue Cross charity chop in King Street is contining to seek donations of dog, cat and kitten food which is then sent to Rockspring Community Centre on Sandford Road and given out in food parcels. 

It is part of a national project by Blue Cross, with its rehoming centres, animal hospitals and charity shops taking in donations of pet food and sending this to local foodbanks across the country.

So far, 1.4milion pets have been fed through the scheme, with the support of partners including Hills and Pets at Home whose stores across the country are also taking donations of pet food and sending these to local foodbanks.

Frances Sproson, Manager at Blue Cross Ludlow charity shop, said: “Here at Blue Cross we’ve heard stories of owners going without food themselves to cover the cost of feeding or caring for their pets and are aware that for some people their pets are their only companions and link to the outside world.

"No pet should have to go hungry, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.

"Pets are part of the family and that’s why we’ve teamed up with our local foodbank to help people to keep their family together. Your donations are helping families who have nowhere else to turn.”

Ruth Davies, who manages the foodbank at Rockspring Community Centre, said they had given out 331 food parcels so far this year and helped 786 people.

“Many people in crisis are more worried about their pet than themselves, and we did have instances where high value food such as tuna and steak was being given to the pet while the owner went hungry," she said.

"This is why we started to give out pet food. The partnership with the Blue Cross charity shop is a great help in helping us to provide this to owners who are struggling.

"Anyone who needs a food parcel for themselves, and their pets needs to be referred by a housing officer, Citizens Advice Bureau, GP, school, church minister or any social worker who is working with them.”

For more information and to make a donation, visit Blue Cross charity shop at 12 King Street, Ludlow. Alternatively, you can call 0300 777 1646 or visit bluecross.org.uk/petfoodbank to find your nearest donation point.

For more information about Rockspring Community Centre, visit ludlowmethodistchurch.org.uk/mission/food-bank