DOG lovers who attended a charity auction have helped to save about 25 dogs from being put down this winter.

Mandy Clark, of Helperthorpe, organised a two-course meal and auction at The Blue Bell Country Inn, Weaverthorrope, to raise money for Ryedale Dog Rescue after she spotted a stray lurcher near her home and got in touch with the charity to see what she could do to help.

Mandy said that the event had proved to be a huge success and has raised a total of about £7,500 thanks to generous donations from local people and businesses.

She said: “The support that we have received from everybody has just been amazing. People came to the event with the attitude that they were going to make the most of it and they did just that.

“It went really well and exceeded our expectations more than we could have ever imagined.”

The money raised has helped to save 25 stray dogs from being put down this winter according to Rosie Stephenson of Ryedale Dog Rescue who estimates that it costs a total of £250 in initial costs to save and vet a dog before it can be put into kennels.

Rosie said: “Both Mandy and I were absolutely stunned by the response and the support and it was quite emotional to be honest.

“We were staggered at the support we have received and the generosity of people who came to the event and who have donated. We are so grateful to Mandy for holding the event.”