WORK using proceeds from last year's Animals in Distress Rescue Centre fun day is nearly completed, it has been revealed.

The centre ploughed the £4,100 raised through last year's annual fun day into the costs of building a new state-of-the-art puppy centre which is due to be opened next month.

Bosses hope that this Sunday's fun day will raise even more cash, this time towards their £1million annual running costs and also future redevelopment schemes.

Animals in Distress Rescue Centre spokesman Simon Veasey said: "We are literally adding the finishing touches to our puppy care centre.

"As well as dogs, we take domestic cats and rabbits.

"We look after them until they get into a fit state and we know that they can be suitably rehomed.

"We are looking to redevelop parts of the rescue centre. That will take funding but it also takes more than a £1million to run the centre a year."

Dog owners have a chance to raise money and also have their pooch star in the Herald Express.

Every dog taken to the show on Sunday, from noon, has a chance to have its photograph taken, then be featured in a special 'top dog' supplement.

Members of the public will then be able to vote for their favourite, with great prizes up for grabs for the winners.

The centre is also running its own set of competitions, with rosettes available.

They include the most handsome dog as well as the one with the waggiest tale, the dog most like its owner, and the dog most unlikely to win a beauty contest.

Judging takes place from 1pm, and entry to the Herald's photo competition and/or the centre's competitions costs £1.