The owners of an East London pet shop faced with the threat of closure have decided to keep the store open following an online fundraising campaign by the local community.

Back in December, Dogs Dinner Pet and Garden in Kirkdale Road, Leytonstone, said it was closing due to lack of trade.

A statement of Facebook at the time announced: "As costs have risen over the years, and the move to internet buying (and we don’t blame anybody for wanting to save money) it’s come to the point our business is no longer viable.”

The news shocked the local community and in response an online fundraising campaign was launched to raise money to save the shop.

Shop manager Bob Auger said: "When I posted that we were closing, people really rallied behind us and said that they did not want us to close because we are a small pet shop and there are not that many of us left.

"They all got behind us and decided to show their support which was just amazing.”

The shop has been in business for more than 50 years and under the current ownership for 14 years.

The owners are now giving the shop time to remain open to see if it is liable in the long term.

To read the full story go to the East London and West Essex Gardian website – click here