A GIANT puppy struggling to find a new home because he is so big is spearheading a Christmas collection campaign run by the owners of a Wirral veterinary surgery.

Standing more than five feet two inches tall on his hind legs, loveable Max, described by his carers as ‘Akita cross Kangeroo’ has only just reached the tender age of one and has already won many hearts with his loveable, bouncy personality and large ears.

He is one of many needy animals set to benefit from the second year of Willows Veterinary Group's Pawsome Pets Christmas Appeal which aims to help as many abandoned, unwanted and unloved animals as possible over the festive period.

The group owns Acorn Veterinary Surgery in Frankby Road, Frankby.

Pet lovers are being urged to bring in unopened pet food, new toys and blankets for animals of all types the surgery by next Monday, December 18.

The resulting collection will be distributed to various animal rescue charities across the region.

David Crane, Willows Veterinary Group Marketing Manager, came up with the original idea and said: "We started the Christmas collection last year and had a phenomenal response from our clients.

"There were literally trolley loads of food, blankets, bedding and toys donated across our group of surgeries and we were quite bowled over with the generosity.

"We found a grateful home for all of it and we have decided to do it again this year because our partner animal rescue charities across the region were so pleased to receive it.

"As a group, we do a lot for charity throughout the year and we see this as one last big push at the end of the year to help as many needy animals as we can.

"We have a lot of loving pet owners who visit us and they show their generosity to help animals in need time and time again.

"We are urging anyone to bring in unopened and in date food, blankets and toys, for all different species to any of our Willows surgeries and we will make sure it benefits animals like lovely Max and the rescue charities which work so hard to look after them."

Max is currently being cared for at Warrington Animal Welfare which has its rescue centre in Slutchers Lane, Bank Quay, Warrington.

He was sold to his former owner as a Labrador cross and they later realised they had got a lot more dog than they had bargained for.

Unable to manage his lively behaviour and concerned by how quickly he was growing, they passed him in to the care of the team at Warrington Animal Welfare.

Caroline Tebbs, Warrington Animal Welfare Centre Manager, said: "He's been with us for three months now and the kennel environment is not ideal for a young dog like him.

"We are trying to do as much as we can with him here but there are limitations and he would benefit so much from an experienced home where someone could give him the time and love he really deserves.

"He's a big boy with an even bigger heart and we would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in loving him and his big personality.

"He is a very handsome dog to front Willows Veterinary Group's Christmas collection campaign which we are thrilled to be a part of again. I would like to thank everyone who is able to donate.

"The extra supplies we will receive will be so valuable to us.”

For more details on Willows Pawsome Pets Christmas Appeal visit www.willowsvetgroup.co.uk or the Facebook page @WillowsVetGroup.

If you can give a loving home to Max and would like more details, visit www.warringtonanimalwelfare.org.uk or call 01925 748638. Facebook page is @warringtonanimalwelfare