STAFF and volunteers at a Malvern-based animal charity have been kitted out with new uniforms thanks to a pet food maker.

Fish4Dogs, based at Rushock, near Droitwich, have bought more than 70 items of clothing, including tops, fleeces and hats, for the team at the Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter at Newland.

Six full-time staff and around 50 volunteers provide around-the-clock care primarily for cats and dogs, helping them back to health and find them loving homes.

This means being equipped to meet their needs - providing daily exercise for dogs, cleaning out pens, overseeing food and medical requirements and spending time with the animals to help them socialise. This non-stop activity is undertaken all-year-round, whatever the weather.

Fish4Dogs has also been supporting the shelter with its sustainably-sourced range of fish-based pet foods.

Head of marketing Sam Ryder said: “We are extremely pleased to support Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter with both food and uniforms. As a local business, we see first-hand the incredible work which is undertaken by the charity and the lifelines they have given to thousands of animals over more than 35 years’ service to the community.”

Shelter manager Claire Tregunna said: “The sponsorship makes a huge difference to us. The provision of much-needed uniforms means that more money can be put towards the well-being of animals.

“As a well-established charity, our work is needed across the county and our uniforms will make us increasingly visible which is key to raising awareness of the work that we do.”