RAVEN'S Rescue has opened its first charity shop in Sedgley.

Animal lovers can bag a bargain at the Dudley Street store, safe in the knowledge that all purchases will help save cats and dogs in need.

Sarah Harris, who founded the rescue in 2012, hopes the shop will create a regular income for the charity, which provides foster families for the animals until forever homes are found.

"On average, our monthly bills are between £3,000 and £4,000 and can be more if we get an animal in need of emergency surgery or treatment," she said.

"We also have many permanent fosters that are too old or ill to be adopted."

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mohammed Hanif and his wife Zabeda Khanam were the guests of honour at the shop's grand opening on Saturday, which Sarah described as a "fantastic day".

She continued: "I would like to thank all of the team for making this happen and for all the hard work that they have put in to get the shop looking as good as it does.

"We hope that people will support us in this new venture."

The dog-friendly shop, which opens Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm, is in need of volunteers and donations of bric-a-brac and clothing.

Anyone who can spare a few hours to volunteer or has a donation to make, should drop in to the shop - located next door to the White Horse pub - or call Sarah on 07922204531.

For more information about Raven's Rescue, visit http://ravensrescueuk.weebly.com.