AS the nation prays football is coming home, Pennine Pen Animal Rescue is hoping to score big with its summer fair ahead of World Cup final on Sunday.

The centre in Honeywell Lane is opening its doors to supporters for one of the biggest fundraising events of the year.

The day will provide an opportunity for people to take a look around the rescue premises and meet the cats and rabbits currently available for adoption.

Running from 12-3pm there will also be a raffle, tombola, bottle stall, home-bake stall, bric-a-brac and much more. Not only are they competing with the World Cup, they are also taking on Wimbledon by offering strawberries and cream, along with other refreshments!

Trustee Natalie Downes says fundraisers such as these are essential to help keep Pennine Pen afloat costs now rising to almost £120,000 a year to pay for the animals in their care.

Renowned rescue mascot, King Kenny is now one of their resident dogs alongside Snoop and Dodge.

They also fund a number of dogs in foster homes as 'foster dogs'.

"Caring for these dogs costs the charity a considerable amount of money each year, before we have even begun to consider the other overheads associated with running the rescue centre," said Natalie.

"We know that the football kicks off at 4pm that day, but we are hoping to kick-start the day with people doing something amazing to help support a local charity. Anyone who attends really will be do something exceptional to help the only independent animal rescue centre that is currently based in Oldham."

They are also looking for donations of goods to sell on the day such as gift sets, good-as-new bric-a-brac and bottles of wine and spirits.

If you can help call 0161 621 0819 or message them via their Pennine Pen Animal Rescue page.