Nottingham-based Armitage Pet Care has joined forces with Mansfield District Council this festive season to help families in most need by donating £1,000-worth of pet food, treats and toys to pass on to pet owners who face financial difficulties.

Paul Bousfield, chief executive of Armitage Pet Care, said: “We are delighted to be able to show our support and give back to our local community. We were more than happy to offer this donation to help families in most need.

“We are a local company that has been established for many years and we are pleased to be able to help, particularly at this time of year. People often feed their pets before themselves and we hope our donation can make a difference.”

Coun Barry Answer, Mansfield District Council’s portfolio holder for housing, explained: “Unfortunately, many families do experience difficult times. As a council, we are able to provide support in many different ways from providing welfare rights and advice, and negotiating with landlords or mortgage providers to offering food bank vouchers and donations of food.

“We’ve recently noticed an increasing number of pet owners asking for help and for food for their animals. As an animal loving nation, people often see their pets as family and will spend their last penny on pet food. Through this generous donation from Armitage we will now be able to help the pets of those who are financially struggling this Christmas.”

Pictured, from left, are housing solutions officer Tracey Styles, Paul Bousfield, director of communities Hayley Barsby and business transformation officer Julie Bodin, who worked with Armitage Pet Care to organise the festive project.