IT'S NO shaggy dog story! Eight hardy fund-raisers slept wuff in a kennel at the weekend to raise money for Blackpool's RSPCA animal home.

The group were all sponsored to sleep in one of the inside kennels at Longview animal home, Division Lane on Sunday night.

It followed on from a 'dogathon' sponsored dog walk which set out from the centre earlier in the day.

Both events were part of RSPCA Week, which also included a Longview open day on April 27.

Carol Jones, the centre's manager, said: "The sleepover went very well.

"It was a bit like a dormitory because all the volunteers brought proper camp beds."

The group enjoyed a barbecue before settling down in the company of two of Longview's dogs and another who came to keep her owner company.

Carol said: "Once the lights go out, the dogs go to sleep. So quite a few of the group did get some sleep - apart from someone who I think was next to a snorer!"

The group began collecting their sponsor money this week and have yet to announce a total, but the dogathon has already raised more than £200 - with more to come - and the open day raised more than £650.

And collections and bag packing for donations at Tesco have all swelled the coffers.

"We should be over the £2000 mark at the end," added a delighted Carol.

Citizen readers have shown incredible support for Longview - but more help is needed. To find out more about joining the '4000 Friends' monthly giving scheme, phone the centre on 763991.