An animal charity has appealed to runners and walkers taking part in events this summer to turn their kilometres into cash through sponsorship.

Eden Animal Rescue in Cumbria is calling out for support to help raise £500,000 to fund new kennels at their base at Moorlands Head Farm near Penrith.

Eden Animal Rescue’s centre manager, Sarah Bean, said: "We know there are many enthusiastic runners in Cumbria, and we are asking them if they would encourage people to sponsor them to complete their races – from 5k run runs through to marathons and fell runs.

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"Every step could make a real difference for our appeal."

She added: “Work on the drainage has begun to create a new kennel that will home 20 dog between arriving at the centre and getting a new home.

“Previously, we have been fortunate to have people running in the Great North Run and London Marathon for Eden Animal Rescue, but there are so many other races in the running calendar, especially here in Cumbria.

“Last year a team, organised by former Eden Animal Rescue’s Animal Care Assistant, Sarah Harrison organised a sponsored walk along the 21 mile Ullswater and raised £1,148.

“Every donation makes a positive difference to our appeal, and we can help support by providing sponsorship forms.”

The rescue’s chairman, Chris Cheetham, said: "We are so grateful for the support we have had previously from the running community and hope runners will use their races to help us again.

"As building material prices have risen, so has the cost of building our new kennels.

"However, we need the building for the dogs in our care.

He added: "Every penny from the fundraiser would aid the completion of the major project which aims to secure future homes for the dogs for many years to come."

Information about the new kennel block and how to donate can be found on the Eden Animal Rescue website at www.edenanimalrescue.org.uk.