A TRAFFORD animal sanctuary has been saved - thanks to Messenger readers.

The Society for Abandoned Animals' Messenger-backed appeal has broken through its £50,000 target, less than three months after it was launched.

Hundreds of animal lovers took part in a sponsored walk on Sunday and raised £2,500 to send the appeal smashing through its target.

The success of the 'Save our Sanctuary' (SOS) appeal has ensured the 44-year-old sanctuary will continue to provide a haven for discarded pets.

Celebrating staff and volunteers at the sanctuary praised the Messenger and its readers for playing a crucial role in supporting the SOS initiative and staving off the threat of closure.

The sanctuary was faced with closing its doors in the summer after donations and legacies plummeted.

Bob Gregson, the sanctuary's general manager, said of the appeal's success: "We are absolutely ecstatic - it is like a miracle. The generosity of people has been astonishing.

"Messenger and its readers have played a massive part in the campaign to save the sanctuary - we could not have done it without them."

But Bob is not resting on his laurels and is continuing to work to ensure a bright future for the sanctuary, at Barfoot Bridge on the Sale/Stretford border.

He has made cutbacks to reduce the centre's £200,000 running costs by more than a quarter to £144,000, including reducing staffing costs. The sanctuary is also developing revenue streams from initiatives including renting out stables and providing boarding for pets.

*Anyone who would like to support the sanctuary can make a donation 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.