WHEN the chairman of Boscombe-based dog rescue charity Waggy Tails launched her buy a brick appeal she hoped it would coin in much-needed cash.

But Shelagh Meredith was quite unprepared for the huge public response that has seen a staggering 5,900 bricks sold.

Waggy Tails came into trouble last month after being told they had as little as six weeks to leave their present rented premises in Palmerston Road - which had been allocated for development.

Shelagh was concerned that the charity faced a homeless future because she could find nowhere suitable to rent.

She found an ideal building but with house prices soaring her funds fell £10,000 short of the asking price.

So she set up a buy a brick appeal - allowing animal lovers the chance to buy a brick of the new building and help the charity pay for a new home.

"People have bought 5,900 bricks for us. All this since the article in the Echo and Advertiser.

"We have had people coming in off the street with just £5 or £10 for us. A little girl came in with just £1 to buy one brick and it's all mounted up so well I can't believe it."

Waggy Tails organises short-term foster care for homeless dogs while permanent loving homes are found. None of the rescued pets are housed at the charity's offices because they are found foster homes immediately.

So far the charity has received £6,000 from generous donations and only needs to raise £4,000 to reach their target.

Waggy Tails is run by volunteers and funded entirely by public donations. They pay £4,000 each month for veterinary fees alone.

Shelagh is now hoping for bumper takings from a charity Christmas Fete which takes place at Moordown Community Centre, in Coronation Avenue, on December 1 at 2.30pm.