ANIMAL lovers in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to consider donating blankets to the Scottish SPCA to help the animals in the charity's care.

The SSPCA is appealing for people to make or donate tightly woven blankets for the animals in their centres this Christmas.

Jennie Macdonald, the charity's head of fostering, rehoming and community engagement, said: “We are in need of blankets to keep animals in our care warm and cosy while they wait for their forever homes.

“We would love if people who have a passion for knitting or crocheting could spare some time and wool to make some for our animals.

“The only criteria we have is for them to be tightly woven without large holes.

“We can also accept new blankets from retailers or used blankets as long as they are in good condition with no tears or holes and have been freshly laundered.

“Unfortunately, we can’t accept pillows or duvets as they are too easily destroyed and the stuffing can be harmful to animals if they ingest it.

“Your support means that we can continue to provide the best care for our animals at our centre this winter.

“We’d be so grateful for any donations that people can spare and we know our animals will be too.”

Read more: Scottish SPCA call for locals to donate items to animals

The charity recently issued an appeal asking for toys and food to be donated to their centres this Christmas.

The centre asked for specific items such as Butchers tinned food, James Wellbeloved small bite dry food, and James Wellbeloved normal dry dog food

Needed items can be bought directly from the centre’s Amazon wishlist where they can be delivered straight to the building: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2HRYB6NRA6HNG/ref=cm_go_nav_hz.

Items from the food and toy appeal as well as blankets can also be dropped off in person at the centre reception at Dumbarton Road, Milton, G82 2UA.

To donate to the Scottish SPCA and become a member of the rescue team, visit: www.scottishspca.org/join-the-rescue.

Members of the public who are concerned about an animal can contact the charity's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.