BLACKPOOL'S Longview Animal Centre may still get a reprieve from closure -- thanks to the generosity of Fylde folk.

Pledges of more than £2,000 every month have already been made to the RSPCA branch.

And since The Citizen took up the fight and printed a direct debit form, 600 more have promised £2 a month to the caring cause.

But the battle is not over yet. A final decision about the future of Longview is expected next week and RSPCA staff are hoping many more will step forward to support with yet more £2 pledges. "The standing order campaign is progressing quite nicely, but there does need to be more coming in," said a spokeswoman. "It is heartening -- we are up to £2,500 a month, but it needs to be £4,000.

"If people could still please send the standing orders that would be great. At £2 a month, that's less than a pint of beer a week!"

And she thanked people who have already donated money. "There have been some very generous people and we have had a lot of people committing to £10 a month -- plus we have had a couple of donations of £1,000 each."

But she said regular support is very important for the centre. "We need to know the money is there every month to cover the bills," she added.

The original deadline for meeting the target for standing order contributions was the end of March but staff are hoping the deadline may now be extended in light of the generous response.

"We are just waiting really for the final decision. We are trying to keep hopeful -- you have got to be optimistic," she added.

The animal shelter is currently caring for 20 dogs, 14 cats, rabbits, mice, three degus (a large gerbil type specialist animal) and a pair of chinchillas called Angel and Buffy. Angel the male has been neutered and the pair must be homed together or else they would pine for each other.

For a standing order form, or for more details about how you can help adopt an animal, phone Longview on (01253) 763991 from 11am-3.30pm any day except Monday. Alternatively, pick up a form in the RSPCA charity shop, Talbot Road, Blackpool.