DONATIONS have been flooding in after a couple from Didcot put an appeal for food and treats to give to pets owned by the homeless.

Sam and Darren Nobbs, who run Grove Pet Shop, started asking for gifts three weeks ago so they could redistribute them to people sleeping rough across the county.

Along with store assistant Angie Holden, the pair put a donations box on the counter of their shop and have been shocked with the response.

Mrs Nobbs, 40, said she was inspired after seeing a post on Facebook about a man who offered free haircuts to homeless people.

She added: "We thought this would be a lovely idea, and it would be nice to do something for their animals too.

"We've been in touch with our suppliers and they have been fantastically generous.

"A lot of people have been asking about it in the shop and have said how much of a different idea it is."

Donations have included tins of food, toys and even shampoo.

The box will remain on their counter for the next couple of weeks, before the group sort their donations and go out to towns and cities to meet people sleeping rough.

Mrs Nobbs, who has helped manage the shop for five years, said: "We thought that it was important to do this so these people are not forgotten.

"As dog owners ourselves we know that the majority of these pets are dogs, and they are so important."