AN appeal to build a new RSPCA national animal rescue centre in the city, backed by the Mail, has raised an impressive £300,000 since it was launched last month.

Campaign ambassador and ex-Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt said animal lovers’ response to the Leaps & Bounds Appeal had been “absolutely phenomenal”.

He added: “It has been awe-inspiring.

“The nicest thing is to see how excited people are getting. We really want people to take it to their hearts.

“It’s always scary in the current economic climate to have a big appeal like this, but this is a chance for people to play a part in something that will be historic for the area.”