THE Daily Echo's army of kind-hearted readers are helping to save the country's largest RSPCA-run animal shelter.

The future of the Subbington Ark is still not totally secure, but staff say they are optimistic it won't have to close.

In October the Daily Echo told how the vital animal centre was facing shutdown unless it could dig itself out of a cash crisis.

Donations came flooding in and the Ark has now raised £36,000 in only two months.

Centre manager Mike Ward said: "We are going to be able to enjoy a much better Christmas than we had hoped for.

"We are still going to face challenging times in the new year but we will face them feeling upbeat and optimistic.

"The response we have had from people across Hampshire and beyond has been more than we could have hoped for. We are tremendously grateful."

As well as securing the future of the scores of abandoned and unwanted animals who live at the Ranvilles Lane centre, the appeal has also found many of the pets new homes.

A spokesman said: "Because of all the extra publicity, we have been able to find homes for many of our animals, including several of the longest serving residents."

The Stubbington Ark takes in nearly 6,000 animals a year and is run primarily by volunteers.

The centre costs £1,400 a day to run and a massive drop in donations during the first few months of 2002 meant it was facing a cash crisis.

Services at the centre have been scaled back to make it run more efficiently, including the cancellation of plans for a new cattery.

To make a donation, or to become a Friend of the Stubbington Ark, call fundraiser Kate Browne on 01489 575 455.