Pet rescue

RSPCA Oldham branch manager Mandy Tierney, with animal welfare officer Donna Holt, holding a rescued chicken and dove from the fire which took hold of Booth’s Garden and Pet Centre in Royton last Friday evening

Children have been showing their heartfelt support to animals rescued in a blaze which has reduced a garden and pet centre to rubble.

Youngsters from Royton Hall Primary School wrote letters to parents asking them to back their non-uniform day tomorrow in aid of the RSPCA.

Booth’s Garden and Pet Centre in Royton was engulfed in flames on Friday night killing hundreds of animals. The death toll could be in excess of 500, it is claimed — which includes rabbits, tropical fish and lizards.

Police believe the fire at the Turf Lane centre, which had had been a favourite with youngsters over the years, was caused accidentally.

Two Year Six pupils from Royton Hall Primary School asked head teacher Jane Wilson earlier this week if they could help in any way.

One of the school’s governors is Michael Booth — one of the centre’s owners.

Mrs Wilson said: “First thing on Monday morning they came up to me with the suggestion of a non-uniform day, as they wanted to raise money for the RSPCA.

“Then we had two girls, aged eight and 10, who wrote a letter to parents about the day asking for their support.

“Michael does a lot of work for the school and supports the children.”

The Chronicle reported on Monday how RSPCA staff and 40 firefighters managed to rescue more than a 100 animals which were away from the main seat of the fire.

The animals have either been transferred to other centres, rehomed or kept for safe keeping for the centre’s owners.

Oldham RSPCA branch manager, Mandy Tierney and a number of volunteers have worked tirelessly to save and care for the animals at the centre on Rhodes Bank, Oldham, since the fire.

Mandy said: “We are a cats and dogs home, so the majority of animals have been signed off to more adequate centres for them.

“For a short-term basis they were fine here, but on a longer basis they have had to go to better facilities.

“We have been inundated with food donations and the public support has been fantastic. We are asking for money if people would like to donate to us.”

n On Sunday night, fire crews and police were called back to the scene following reports of another fire. A man was treated for injuries to his head and back.