EARLIER today a new charity shop opened its doors in Meltham - to raise money for abandoned greyhounds.

Actress Annette Crosbie, best known as Victor Meldrew's long suffering wife in TV's One Foot In The Grave, was expected in Meltham at lunchtime to perform the official opening ceremony.

A long-time supporter of greyhound charities, Annette says nothing enrages her more than cruelty to animals.

She is a member of the Retired Greyhound Trust Charity and loves her three greyhound dogs Tatti, Honey and Bonny.

The shop opening in Meltham - housed in a former paint shop in the village's Market Place - will raise money for the long-established Tia Greyhound Rescue.

The rescue centre is currently based in Sowerby Bridge where it will remain for another few weeks before moving in mid-October to new premises at Crag Vale, Hebden Bridge.

Long-time supporter of Tia, Susan Dawson, who will also be a volunteer in the new shop, said: "As a charity we've been looking for shop premises in the Huddersfield area for some time. We receive enormous support from the people of Huddersfield. Tia has run a very successful shop in Otley for some time and we hope the Meltham venture will be as successful.

"We've been collecting items for some time. It's all been in stock just waiting for premises."

Although the shop will sell some clothing, it is going to specialise in quality second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac.

A number of volunteers are already in place to man the shop but more are required, if anyone has spare time on their hands and would like to help raise money for one of the region's most deserving animal charities.

Susan said: "Tia has been based in Sowerby Bridge for some years but more recently we've had a desperate search to seek out new premises.

"The land at Sowerby Bridge is owned by Yorkshire Water who need it for redevelopment.

"After searching all over for new premises, we have at last found a new home at Moorside Farm, Crag Vale.

"Our moving date is October 15 when we will take the dogs to their new home. The new base at Crag Vale has plenty of room for exercising the dogs - and is only four miles away from the current home."

The charity has bought a derelict farm for £200,000 which has plenty of room for their use.

Although Tia Greyhound Rescue has been based in Sowerby Bridge, the people of Huddersfield have always given it their wholehearted support.

Tia - which cares for about 70 abandoned dogs - has met about half the cost, thanks to a bequest from a supporter and £40,000 raised from public donations.

But it will have to continue raising money to meet the mortgage payments on the outstanding sum.

Tia founder Deb Rothery said: "We have got lucky at last. We are really pleased, but I will be relieved only when we are in.

"It needs everything doing to it. It is literally a shed. So we are continuing to raise funds.

"We also hope that as well as giving money people will donate their skills to help us get the place up and running."

If you can help phone Ms Rothery on 07974960684 or visit the website at www.tiagreyhounds.org.uk

Susan said: "It is vital that we carry on raising money and the new shop should help us tremendously. Huddersfield is one of the worst areas in the country for abandoned greyhounds because of its proximity to the motorway network and to illegal greyhound tracks in South Yorkshire.

"Come and support us in the new Meltham shop."

Local people will often have seen Susan and her fellow volunteers collecting outside local supermarkets. When collecting they always take their greyhounds with them.

* If you'd like to give any quality furniture or bric-a-brac to the shop, ring 01484 850909 for details about collection. The shop will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Greyhound facts

* Greyhounds are often dumped by owners when they cease racing. Illegal "flapping" tracks are common in this region.

* Greyhounds can be traced back 8,000 years to early cave drawings and decorative artifacts.

* Contrary to popular belief, they don't need a lot of exercise and are quite content with two 20-minute walks each day.

* Although they race, greyhounds are by nature quite lazy.

* Greyhounds are quizzical, sometimes shy and very sensitive. They possess superior intelligence, and can exhibit a quiet but surprising independence.