With the festive season upon us, many homes will be welcoming new additions to the family and the pitter patter of tiny paws.

However, there are still many animals that are not lucky enough to have loving homes, pets that have ended up abandoned and homeless.

As Christmas approaches, Wangford Veterinary Surgery has launched an annual appeal to help these less fortunate creatures.

The Santa Paws Appeal is aiming to ease the suffering of these animals, by collecting food, toys, treats and beds to be distributed out to rescue homes for the creatures in their care.

Jill Asquith, of Wangford Vets, said 'Pets play such an important part in our lives, being our friends and companions and giving us love unconditionally.

'Our Santa Paws Appeal is a reminder that we need to return that love and remember them at this most special time of year.

'The Christmas period is always busy for animal rescue centres everywhere, with increased numbers of pets being abandoned as their owners feel the seasonal pinch.'

As well as collecting donations, the surgery has organised an array of different ways for people to help, including selling special dog bandannas and donating 50p from every sale of pet presents.

The vets is also holding a festive raffle, selling tickets for the opportunity to win special hampers for cars or dogs, crammed full of goodies for your pet.

Ms Asquith added: 'With Christmas casualties adding to the already overcrowded rehoming centres, you can imagine resources are stretched to capacity.

'Almost every member of the team at Wangford has rehomed a number of cats and dogs, a bearded dragon, and even a pig, all of them homeless, abandoned or unwanted for one reason or another, but we can't take them all, which is why every year we hold our appeal.'

The vets is particularly keen for the following items to be donated:

• Cosy pet beds and warm fleeces

• Pet foods - both wet or dry and suitable for either cats or dogs

• Treats suitable for either cats or dogs

• Stocking fillers for cats or dogs, such as toys

For further information about the appeal or to find out other ways to help, contact 01502 578999.