IT'S great to learn that 11,000 animals, including many that were unwanted, abandoned or ill-treated, were found loving new NW homes last year by the RSPCA.

One hundred and forty two of them were dealt with by the Wigan and Leigh branch of the charity.

The vital work in caring for animals comes at a significant financial cost to the branches which provide a crucial service to the community thanks to dedicated volunteers.

They are now appealing for help and funds so they can continue to make a difference. Hundreds of staff and helpers are preparing for a huge fund-raising push during RSPCA Week next week.

Members of the local branch are collecting and also hoping to gather a mountain of redundant mobile phones at Atherton Tesco on Saturday, May 3. These will be donated to a recycling scheme which will donate cash in exchange.

An easy way to help a good cause.