A RYEDALE animal lover is aiming to raise over £10,000 towards a young dog's hip operation.

Kate Collier, who lives in Pickering, and her own dog, Jak, are co-coordinating the fundraising campaign for Bella, a mastiff-cross.

Currently in foster care, Bella was abandoned by her owners when it was found out she needed treatment for severe hip dysplasia.

"Bella has probably lived with the condition since she was only a few months old and has therefore grown up taking chronic pain for granted and has learned to live with it," Kate said.

"Despite this she has a lovely nature, is friendly with other dogs and loves to play."

Kate said Jak had also been thrown out when his owners knew they were facing vet bills,

"Jak is now 16, is blind in one eye and dear and can't walk very far so his Facebook friends bought him a buggy to go around in," Kate said.

"Using that we have managed to complete a 100 mile walk, completing one mile a day, and are about to start out second one."

The pair have their own on-line shop and have already raised almost £2,000.

Kate said they were now selling items, including dog-themed hats and scarves around the world.

"It is going incredibly well and we have taken responsibility for Bella's treatment which also includes special food and other medical bills costing over £1,000 a year," she added.

To boost funds further Kate and Jak are hosting a charity auction at Pickering Memorial Hall on Friday, October 3 from 6.30pm followed by an ice bucket challenge the next day.

"We have already had some generous things donated for the auction including a new ladies bicycle and a long weekend in a luxury two bedroom caravan in Bridlington," she added.

"I cannot cope with any neglect or abuse of dogs and Bella is such a lovely dog and deserves all the help she can get."

Tickets for the auction are £3. Anyone who would like to support Kate and Jak or make a donation can do so by visiting the on-line Facebook shop, Jak and Bella, email jaklord@gmail.com or phone 01751 473245.