A £50,000 EMERGENCY appeal to save a cash-strapped Trafford animal sanctuary has smashed through the halfway mark - thanks to Messenger readers.

An appeal set up to keep the doors open at Trafford's Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) has raised an incredible £27,000 in just three weeks.

And on Sunday a family fun day at the centre was attended by 1,000 people - with the event raising nearly £7,500.

The SAA's general manager, Bob Gregson, said they had been overwhelmed by the response of Messenger readers to the centre's plight.

"it has been incredible, the Messenger coverage has produced a miracle.

"There was a real buzz at Sunday's open day, everyone had a real good funday."

But he added: "We are halfway there - but we still need to raise more to save the sanctuary."

The centre also needs more volunteers to help with animal care, adminsistration and maintenance. Call 0161 973 5318.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/sfaa, by a cheque made out to SAA or by cash at the SAA office. Cheques should be sent to the Society for Abandoned Animals, Mosley Acre Farm, Barfoot Bridge, Stretford M32 9UP.