AN animal lover has donated £10,000 to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in the name of her late husband.

A bequest of £10,000 was honoured by Mrs Joan Lawton, who lives in Bury, in memory of her husband Brian, who died this year.

The money will go towards funding a cat project at the Edenfield shelter.

Mr Neil Martin, sanctuary manager, said: "We are so grateful for this donation. Without such gifts we would not be able to care for the animals.

"The money has been earmarked to help cats at the shelter."

Mrs Lawton is a trustee of the RSPCA, and the couple have been lifelong supporters of animal welfare.

Mr Lawton supported both the shelter and the RSPCA.

Mandy Tierney, RSPCA branch manager said: "The couple virtually set up the RSPCA in Wales and their link with Bleakholt came through them adopting one of the dogs."