BLEAKHOLT Animal Sanctuary has launched an appeal to raise £1million for a revamp.

The Edenfield centre, which opened 60 years ago, hopes to build new kennels as well as update the cafe and central hub.

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It comes as the charity officially opened its new dog assessment centre after receiving a £15,000 grant.

It was awarded the funds last year from Pedigree and Whiskas Brighter Futures and has now finished the work to build a special area which will be used for a more professional evaluation of pooches.

Initially assessments had to be carried out in reception but now there is a self-contained unit where dogs can come in and be seen and also meet prospective owners.

Bleakholt’s chairman of trustees Vicki Appleton said: “It’s a perfect time to open our new dog assessment centre as it was National Love Your Pet Day on Monday and we want to help more people do just that with our animals at Bleakholt.

“This unit will mean there is a private place to assess dogs who come into Bleakholt about their rehabilitation needs, it will be a place where owners can meet prospective new dogs privately and also a handover place for dogs to leave Bleakholt and join loving families.

“We can’t thank Pedigree and Whiskas enough for this grant.”

Bleakholt vice-president and soap star Gemma Atkinson said: “It’s superb that Pedigree and Whiskas have given this grant to Bleakholt and it will make a huge difference.

“Bleakholt is run solely on donations and so substantial sums for specific projects like this are vital to us.”

Andrew Winfrow, from sponsors Mars/Pedigree, said: “At Mars Petcare we believe that every dog and cat should have a happy loving home.

“That is why we’re committed to providing rescue centres across the country with monetary grants, to help them make vital changes and give them a better chance of finding that forever loving home.”

For more information or to donate to the fundraising appeal visit www.facebook.com/bleakholt.