ANIMAL protection campaigners are extending a big thank-you to Malvern shoppers after they raised over £100 on Saturday for Bishops Wood Swan Rescue.

They also collected dozens of signatures on a petition calling for a ban on the import and sale of foie grams, a pate made from the livers of force-fed geese.

Organiser Pauline Burgess said: "We are delighted with the very generous response of members of the public in Malvern, who donated a total of £101.76.

"We are also very pleased with the support we received for our petition against foie gras, which, on cruelty grounds, is illegal to produce in this country, but, very sadly, can still be imported from countries like France, and sold.

"Bishops Wood Swan Rescue, based near Stourport, are a hard working group of people who have been rescuing swans and other waterbirds since 2002.

"Their aim is to treat sick and injured swans, ducks and geese and return them to their natural environment, once they have fully recovered.

"They are constantly in need of volunteers and anyone wishing to help can get in touch with them them on 07977 209547.

"And more info on the campaign against foie gras can be found at viva.org.uk/what-we-do/foie-gras-free-britain."