Leyland woman sets up pet food bank from her cake shop

Vicky Brown, 40, who is the owner of Victoria Cakes at School Lane, decided just 10 days ago that she would transform her shop into a pet food bank every Monday.

Explaining how the lightbulb moment came about, she said: "A friend had tagged me in a post on Facebook about a lady in Wales that had set up a foodbank for pets and, I thought, I have a shop and I care so much about this and want to help people and their pets. So I said let’s do this.

"We all need a bit of help at the minute. Rescues are overrun as people are returning their pets because they cannot afford to feed them.

"Times are hard for many and some people are struggling to feed themselves and sadly have have no choice but to give up their much loved family member which breaks my heart.

"This is where the pet food bank will help. I really hope other places start them up too. The more of these dotted about the better."

What all can people drop off at the food bank?

"I have already had a huge response from people on my business page and there has already been loads of donations.

"They can drop off food for all animals, sealed packets, tins of food, cat litter, toys, new bedding and blankets.

"As with it being in a cake shop I do need to be careful of certain things so cannot accept used bedding."

Animal lover and activist Vicky who has two beagles Lola and Betty also relentlessly campaigns to end laboratory testing on the docile dog breed.

She held an MBR Free the Beagles event last month in Avenham Park in Preston where hundreds of animal lovers gathered to protest against animal testing.

She added: "There is not much of an update on the beagles but we are all still fighting for their freedom.

"Sadly, I think it’s going to take a long time, but more awareness has been raised and I do believe one day it will be closed."

What would you say to people struggling to feed their pets at present?

"Please just turn up on a Monday. No questions asked just turn up and stock up and take what you need. But feel free to message me on my Facebook page - Victoria Cakes.At present, people will be able to access the food bank every Monday from 10am until 4pm, but Vicky hopes to expand this in the not too distant future.

"At the minute I am only doing Mondays when the cake shop is closed, but people can drop off donations from Monday to Saturday."

Not letting anyone go without, she will also be offering local delivery services for those with no mode of transport.

If you would like to drop off or pick up some items, you can call into the shop located at number 30 School Lane in Leyland.