Pet lovers have rallied to support a local pet shop faced with the prospect of closure because of spiralling energy costs.

D&A Sanders Pet Care Specialists in the village of Yaxley near Peterborough saw its bills spiral, and owner David Sanders, known as ‘The Dogfather’, feared he would have to close his established shop.

As a result his granddaughter Shannon Sanders launched an online fundraising appeal and to date a total of £3,790 has been raised.

On her GoFundMe appeal, Shannon said: “My grandfather has been supporting the local village of Yaxley for nearly 50 years as a well-established shop owner.

“However, the recent rise in prices, electric bills (the shop’s electric bill used to be £3,500 a year and it's now estimated at £10,619) has basically left the shop struggling to make ends meet.

“My grandfather has been a friend, if not family, to many people in the village and is too proud to ask for help. However, I am not.

“This man loves this village and loves his little pet shop, and many customers do. This family run business has had three generations serving the people of Yaxley and we are asking for your help, if you can give.

“As many people have noticed, the shop simply isn't stocking the items it used to, due to the crippling price increases. 

“My aim is to help raise this money to help get our foot back in the door and return to the once great shop we were.”

“So please, if you can, help us save D&A Sanders Pet Care Specialists.”

CLICK HERE to view the fundraising page.