TAILS will be wagging at Green Acres animal rescue centre this Christmas, thanks to this special pound-dog.

The plush pooch contained £1,600 in cash - a gift from animal portrait artist Gavin Wright.

"I'm a big animal lover and feel very passionate about animal welfare," said Gavin, who adopted two dogs from the rescue centre, based in Talbenny.

"I knew that Christmas is there worst time for donations, so in January I decided to raise them some money throughout the year secretly, and donate it to Green Acres at Christmas.

"I had put a few drawings on Facebook, and had a few people ask me if I would draw their dog or cat for them, so I knew that I could make money doing it.

"I managed to sell 42 drawings, which was way more than I expected.

"The total donation was actually £2,000 but I gave £400 earlier in the year, so I had £1,600 left in the pot.

"I was just going to send them a cheque with a note but I thought that was a bit boring so I was thinking of ways I could donate the money.

"I came up with stuffing the teddy just to add a bit of romance I suppose."

Mikey Lawlor, of Green Acres, said the gift was an 'amazing surprise'.

"Not many things bring us to tears but we just cannot believe the kindness of this act.

"This really restores faith in human nature.

"Gavin, you really are a special person and we don't know how to thank you enough."

To help the Green Acres Christmas appeal, visit donorbox.org/christmas-appeal.