Manchester Dogs' Home has collected £2 million in donations since suffering an arson attack, meaning it will be rebuilt "better than before".

The home has been flooded with contributions from over 100,000 members of the public since 53 animals died in the fire on September 11. Within 24 hours, an online appeal had raised more than £1m.

Manager Lisa Graham said the "worldwide support" from well-wishers is going to enable them the chance to build an even better facility.

She said: "The scale of the work we have to do is enormous, but there is a lot of hope.

"Because of the donations we've seen, Manchester Dogs' Home will have a chance at rebuilding a kennel area that we never could have achieved under other circumstances."

Celebrities and dog-lovers across Britain created a frenzy on social media after fire, from which fire-fighters were able to rescue 150 dogs.

Music impresario Simon Cowell, star of X Factor, donated £25,000 to the home and also pledged £10,000 to pay for a holiday for three heroes who saved 20 dogs from the blaze.

Liverpool FC footballer Mario Balotelli is also believed to be the anonymous benefactor behind a five-figure donation.

The pair regularly post updates about the rebuilding process on their Facebook page, Manchester Dogs' Home Rebuild.

A 15-year-old boy, held on suspicion of arson on September 11, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.