STAFF at a Halesowen opticians stepped in to support a local pet rescue.

Members of staff at Specsavers on Hagley Mall in the Cornbow Centre donated a wide range of luxury candles to make up a hamper, with they raffled off to help Peppers Pet Rescue.

The lucky winner was local resident Michelle Simmons with more than £200 going to Peppers.

Peppers Pet Rescue, which is based on the Lodgefield estate and is run by Sophie Pepper, has rehomed more than 500 unwanted, abandoned and stray pets from the local area, nursing them back to health.

In recent times the centre has been hit hard by increasing expenses and so is appealing to the local community for support to ensure it can keep running.

Specsavers Halesowen store director, Nabil Habibullah said: "A big thank you to everyone who supported us with this fundraising activity.

"We raised £217 which will know will be gratefully received by Peppers Pet Rescue."