A WORCESTER law firm is really taking the lead with its charity work.

SME Solicitors has granted each member of staff in its 40 strong team one paid working day off work each year to undertake charity or community work. So during December, Guy Salter, Brian O'Connell, Ann Muddiman, Sue Hayes, Alex Gunkiewicz and Alan James will be spending one day volunteering at the Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter, assisting with walking rescue dogs.

Worcestershire Animal Shelter assistant Ned Coton said: "The simple fact is a shelter of our size simply cannot function without the generosity and support of the general public. Having support from more volunteers means the dogs are spending less time in the kennels and more time socialising with different people. Dogs need exercising daily and this is a huge investment of time, therefore the volunteers such as the SME team who come up and walk dogs allow staff at the shelter to concentrate on other important duties. It’s a great way to keep fit, meet new people and have a cuddle with some adorable dogs.”

Mr Salter, partner at SME, added: "Throughout the year, different people in the team will be using their CSR day to support different charities and organisations all within the county. I am an animal lover and Christmas is a particularly important time for rescue animals and for the team at the rescue shelter, so I’m really looking forward to our day volunteering there.”