A dog rescue charity near High Wycombe is fundraising for a ‘desperately needed’ new van to help rescue and rehome stray dogs across the South Bucks region.

Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, based on Oxford Road in the commuter village, was founded in 1963 as a charitable initiative to help save the lives of stray and unwanted dogs.

For over 60 years, the charity has rescued and rehomed thousands of animals and helped countless owners to recover their lost pets – providing a vital local service, in large part through its mobile van operations.

The van in question is nearing the end of its life after 18 years of use, however, and charity workers have begun a fundraising campaign to cover the hefty costs of buying a new transport vehicle.

On a JustGiving page launched at the beginning of the year, a spokesperson for Stokenchurch Dog Rescue wrote: “We desperately need a new van to transport our dogs.

“When items like this are needed, we (have to) call upon our supporters as we are not government-funded.

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“We don’t like to take resources away from our dogs, but this is an essential requirement for the running of the rescue.

“We will be sad to see our old van go as it has transported thousands of dogs including incredibly poorly puppies, (but) it is now time to find something reliable.”

Since the fundraising page was created three months ago, the charity has raised over £11,000 from generous donations – 75 per cent of its £15,000 target.

All money raised from the fundraiser will go towards buying a new van. Click here to contribute now.