There is a lot to celebrate at Cheltenham Animal Shelter this festive season.

The shelter has faced many challenges over the last 12 months, from having to keep in place procedures that help staff and supporters stay safe, to changing the way pets are rehomed, and managing many of its fundraising activities and events online.

Thanks to the support of the local community the shelter is thriving, although the push to raise funds never stops.

With the Christmas holiday season fast approaching the shelter wants to celebrate and raise some festive cheer with its first large event since the pandemic started.

The shelter is holding a Festive Fayre at its base in Gardners Lane, Cheltenham, on Wednesday, December 1st from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Erica Lake, community engagement officer, said: "The Festive Fayre is always a wonderful event. The shelter is decorated and looks very jolly. There will be a range of entertainment for all ages to enjoy, stalls offering present ideas for pets and people, our festive raffle which has cash prizes, plus refreshments including a BBQ, hot drinks, cakes and mulled wine.

"The festive evening is free and suitable for all the family and all the money raised supports the animals."

Cheltenham Animal Shelter is embracing the joy of Christmas with two other activities that are firm favourites.

The Shoe Box Appeal brings in lots of toys and treats for the shelter animals. Supporters are asked to decorate a shoe box and fill it with Christmas goodies. There is even a 'wish list' of goodies that the animals prefer.

To wrap up the festive activities, the shelter will hold its Festive Dog Walk on Saturday, December 18. All walkers and dogs should meet at the shelter for a 10.30am start.

This is a fun circular walk taking in Pittville Park, with refreshments available back at the shelter. Please book your place in advance on the website.

Pete Newcombe, Cheltenham Animal Shelter's general manager, said: "We have had a tough year and experienced a lot of change, but thanks to the hard work of all our staff and volunteers, and the generosity of our donors we have managed to help over 400 animals, build new facilities for our small animals including a new rabbit bonding pen and raise funds for vital medical care. We are very grateful to everyone."

Details about the Festive Fayre, Shoe Box Appeal and Festive Dog Walk can be found on the website at www.gawa.org.uk/christmas 

Cheltenham Animal Shelter is a charity that has been helping animals since 1926. They rescue and rehome unwanted and abandoned stray cats, dogs and small animals from across Gloucestershire.