A 'FABULOUS' day was had by all who came along to the opening of a new community shop in Basingstoke run by an animal rescue service, helping to raise money for a neglected dog's ear surgery. 

Thanks to help from the public, Helping Dogs and Cats' new community shop, which includes an animal foodbank, opened its doors on Saturday, October 7 in Feathers Lane in the town centre. 

Founder Kirsty Wrightson said: "The opening day was really busy, we had a fabulous day I hope we managed to reach out to more customers. I am so proud of our team."

During the first day of opening £930 was raised, some of which will be used to help pay for a French Bulldog's ear surgery. 

Kirsty said: "We raised £930 just on Saturday and £91 towards Coco the French Bulldog who was recused after she was used for breeding. Due to neglect, she had to have ear surgery."

As previously reported, the non-profit animal rescue was based at Hart House, in Priestly Road, but needed a new premises with more space.

READ MORE: Helping Dogs and Cats owner confirms move to new premises

The rescue operates in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey, rescuing dogs, cats and other small animals. Its work includes rehoming and rehabilitation, veterinary care, microchipping, spraying and neutering. 

The shelter was offered a premises in a Basingstoke shopping centre and was desperately looking to raise funds to pay six-month rent, along with vet bills. 

However, Kirsty said that because of higher demand, the community interest company (CIC) had been forced to find somewhere else.

The CIC appealed for help to transform the new site, which was in poor condition and needed painting, shelving and new flooring. 

SEE ALSO: Helping Dogs and Cats to move into new premises

The shop officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Councillor David Leeks, Basingstoke's mayor.

The public can visit the shop to learn more about how Helping Dogs and Cats is making a positive impact in Basingstoke. 

Kirsty previously told the Gazette: "It is less room than we have got now but we are hoping we will get more people coming to buy our stuff because we need the money to go towards our vet bills that we have to pay every month.

"We had a really good response to our appeal for volunteers after the story was published in the Gazette, we just got loads and loads of phone calls. We have managed to get all of the painting done and had all of the floors done, apart from the main shop floor.

"We just got a great response so I am really really grateful for everybody. It was also a great way to let people know we are here and we are moving."