MORE than £370 was raised at a canine fundraiser to buy equipment which 'catches' lost dogs across the Forest and increases the chance of reuniting them with its owner.

The humane trap is a cage which is baited with food and entices lost dogs who are then taken to a council pound where they are checked for a microchip.

Supporter of the Forest of Dean Dogs Lost and Found, Vicky Bagley said: "Many people report a dog wandering around or owners who have lost their pet, so we do what we can to help.

"The dogs are often frightened and aggressive, and cannot be caught by hand if their owners are not around. We've had sightings of dogs over several days where the owners were tourists and had to go home without their dog but members of the group couldn't catch them because they ran away when approached.

"Once the dog is inside the cage we then use a 'grabber' which prevents it from attacking us. These traps can cost several hundreds of pounds."

The event was held at The Fountain Inn at Parkend and saw a large quantity of cakes and raffle prizes donated.

Claira Lewis and her dog were recently helped by the organisation's members. She said: "Both my family and I were overwhelmed by the participants of this group for helping us find Jazz a few weeks ago.

"Since finding her, I have received continuous support from group members. It was lovely to meet more members at the coffee morning and put names to faces.

"Thanks once again to everyone for such a well-organised group of wonderful people who put themselves out for those who have lost and found our much-loved pets."

Co-organiser, Michelle Powell added: "We were overjoyed with the number of delicious cakes people brought along for us to sell, along with hot drinks to the many supporters who turned up. Some came with their dogs, too, and it was a fun morning for everyone."

For further information, visit their Facebook page – Forest of Dean Dogs Lost and Found.