A PET superstore has smashed its fund-raising target for a charity that finds new homes for animals in just 10 months.

Pets at Home - which has stores in Worcester and Redditch - has managed to raise in excess of £220,000 for pet charity The Blue Cross.

The figure is £20,000 more than was targeted by the chain which has 175 stores across the UK.

"We wanted our customers to consider and understand the benefits of adopting a pet," said Linda Whiting from Pets at Home. "That's why we chose to support The Blue Cross as our chosen charity.

"The charity does vital work, not only finding new homes for animals, but also supporting owners with pet care advice through a number of veterinary hospitals for those on low incomes.

"We're thrilled we've not only reached, but smashed, our target!"

Vanessa Rossiter, corporate fund-raising officer at The Blue Cross, added: "What Pets at Home has achieved for us is amazing and we can't thank them enough!

"The staff have been excellent - really enthusiastic - matched only by the generosity of Pets at Home customers. Thank you all."

Fund-raising is continuing in all stores to raise even more money as well as raising awareness to the benefits of re-homing a rescued pet.

Anybody interested in finding out more about the campaign can either go to their local Pets at Home store or visit www.petsathome.co.uk or www.bluecross.org.uk