HUNDREDS of stray and unwanted dogs across Worcestershire face being destroyed unless a rescue centre's desperate fund-raising efforts pay off.

Forest Dog Rescue takes in hundreds of dogs every year but is facing a mounting cash crisis because of increases in the number of strays and the cost of veterinary treatment.

Should the charity close, all strays picked up in Wyre Forest would be put down after completing their seven-day stay at the district council's pound.

Currently, dogs whose owners do not come forward after a week only avoid being destroyed because the centre takes them in.

The future of unwanted dogs from Worcester, Malvern and the rest of the county would also be less secure. Kennels used by the charity near Cleobury Mortimer, which receives strays from these areas, relies on the financial support offered by Forest Dog Rescue.

With available funds only supporting the rescue centre for the next six months, volunteers have begun a dog sponsorship scheme, where donors hand over a £1 a week.

"We are trying to get the sponsorship forms out and get a regular income all the time," said volunteer Barbara Powell.

"When we first took over, the centre had an inheritance but nothing was being done to improve the funds."

Jutta Patterson, who runs the kennels at Neen Sollars, near Cleobury Mortimer, used by the centre, said she was looking after around 30 dogs but levels fluctuated at different times of the year.

"We especially get a lot of dogs before Christmas when the old ones are thrown out to make way for the new puppies," said Mrs Patterson.

"We are stopping the dogs from being put down but it takes finances. It takes £2,000 a month to run everything.

"A lot of the dogs need veterinary attention because dog pounds don't go in for that sort of thing.

"Making a home for one of the dogs is very rewarding.

"They are lovely companions. Instead of sitting and staring at four walls people start to take an interest in something."

If you would like to help, call Kidderminster's Forest Dog Rescue on 01562 636535 for more information about the sponsorship scheme or about offering a home for one of the animals.