A LOCAL veterinary practice is to collect donations of pet food and hold a fundraising party in aid of several charities.

Jonathan Wood Vets is asking for donations of pet food for Hector’s House Cat Rescue and Crediton Foodbank.

Items can be dropped off between Monday, December 1 and Friday, December 19 at Jonathan Woods Vets at Barnstaple Cross, Crediton or at its branch surgery at Bernaville Nurseries in Cowley.

The practice will also hold a festive gathering on Tuesday, December 16 at its Crediton surgery. “Pet lovers” are invited to go along for mulled wine and mince pies from 6.30pm.

The event will raise money for Hector’s House Cat Rescue and for CODS (formerly Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society), who will be singing carols.

“Hector’s House and the Crediton Foodbank do such amazing work in our local community, and we’re keen to help support them by collecting cat and dog food donations that will help ensure every pet can enjoy a great Christmas,” said Jonathan Woods Vets Head Veterinary Nurse Shelly Jefferies.

“We’re just asking people to pop an extra tin or bag of pet food into their trolley when they go shopping, then bring it along to one of our surgeries. Every donation will go a long way to helping a pet or an owner who might need a little bit of help this festive season.

“Our clients are always very generous and supportive of charities, and we are hoping they will rise to the occasion this time. We can take any donation of cat or dog food as long as it is unopened.

“Our caring team also wanted to make the run-up to Christmas extra special this year, so we’re holding a festive social evening and hope as many people as possible will join us for mince pies and carols on December 16.”