Staff and volunteers at the PDSA shop in West Ealing held a party with customers and ‘Winston Churchill’ to celebrate its new look following a makeover.

The shop on The Broadway has undergone a facelift as part of a drive to attract more shoppers and supporters, and to help raise the essential funds needed by the charity to treat sick and injured pets.

PDSA says it has been around 15 years since its shop frontages were updated, with many long overdue for replacement.

A party was held at the shop last week, which was even attended by Winston Churchill lookalike Gerry George.

Winston Churchill lookalike Gerry George outside the PDSA West Ealing shop

Bruce Pratt, Assistant Shop Manager at PDSA’s West Ealing shop, said: “It was great fun and we had lots going on during the day.

“Our window was dressed in PDSA colours, we had free treats and cakes, while myself and the shop manager Ann Ford both dyed our hair pink to show our passion for the cause.

“There was party music being played all day and balloons and streamers from the ceiling. We also had an in-store Tombola and our good friend Gerry dressed up as Winston Churchill to add to the fun. He gave a speech and spent over an hour having photos with staff, volunteers and customers and greeting people as they entered the shop.

“It was great fun day and just what we wanted to kick start the new year here at PDSA.”

The West Ealing shop raises vital funds helping poorly pets in need. Nationally, PDSA helps nearly half a million pets every year, saving lives and providing vital education on all aspects of pet ownership.

Ann Ford manager of PDSA’s West Ealing shop said: ”We are asking the local community to support us in any way they can. We desperately need locals with spare time on their hands to join our friendly volunteer team.  Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and add some valuable skills and experience to your CV. Why not pop in and visit us to find out more about how you can help support our vital work saving pets’ lives.”

PDSA provides more than 2.7 million treatments a year to pets in need.

The charity needs to raise £60 million annually to run its life-saving network of 51 Pet Hospitals. All this is supported by generous public donations, as the charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding for its veterinary services.

The charity operates around 170 shops throughout the UK, selling donated and new items, which are supported by thousands of volunteers.

For more information about PDSA, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk