NEEDY pets are set for a happy Christmas – thanks to a Malton veterinary practice.

Throughout the festive season, Mount Veterinary Group is collecting donations of food, biscuits and treats for cats and dogs to help owners struggling to afford to feed their much-loved pets.

The practice in Middlecave Road is also collecting human food following a rise in the number of families and individuals using Ryedale Foodbank.

Veterinary nurse Michelle Coatsworth is organising the collection. Some of the donated cat food will also be given to Hull & District Cats Protection.

Michelle said: “Our aim is to collect as much food as possible to help those at the heart of the community we serve, whether it is donations for families and individuals in need or for their pets.

“Last year we collected food for cats and dogs, but this year we are expanding our appeal to help people who are also in need of support.

“If families or individuals are relying on foodbanks, their pets will also be in need.

“Pets are part of the family and no one will want to have to get rid of a pet they love and care for, so we want to ensure help is out there.”

John Mackenzie, a Ryedale Foodbank volunteer, said: “People are in crisis and the last thing they want is to lose their pets because they are part of the family.

“We always ask people coming to us with a voucher if they have any pets so we can help.

“We are very grateful for the donations of food for people who rely on the foodbank and we would like to think that providing owners with pet food will help them keep their pets in their own home, which is the best for all concerned and will ease the fear of having to give them up.”