GUARDIAN readers can make a difference to the lives of needy dogs by donating their old copies to a rescue centre.

Staff at Hillside Kennels near Waltham Abbey - which have re-homed animals for the RSPCA for more than 20 years - are in desperate need of old newspapers to help dry off their four-legged residents after taking them for walks.

They are calling on animal lovers who would usually bin or recycle their papers to drop them off at the kennels in Claverhambury Road, Galley Hill.

Owner Hillary Lockyer said: "We need the newspapers to put on the floor to keep the dogs dry when it's wet outside. 

"They go out running in the paddock when it's wet, so we desperately need the papers to soak up the water and mud."

  • Anyone willing to donate their old newspapers can contact Hillary on 01992 892881.