More than £700 has been raised for Clark’s Little Ark in Sanquhar after people from across the community took on an impressive 500-mile challenge.

Both humans and animals here and abroad clocked up hundreds of miles to raise a fantastic £700 and counting from June 29 to July 12, to help cover running costs of the shelter including hay, straw and feed for the animals and bills such as vets and farriers, and ensure it remains free to visitors.

Owner Alison Shankly kept tabs on all donations and distances walked over the two weeks and updated residents and visitors on how the challenge was progressing.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Speaking to the Chronicle last month, she said: “If animals could walk some of the miles and then people could take their pets, that would be great, but people don’t need to have an animal to donate their miles. The hope is that we get photos of people taking part and can put it altogether in a photo album.

“People donated before we even started the walk. We’ve got Percy Pig, we wouldn’t like to put him on a lead but he can go a walk up the back, it’s just another way of doing things. We allocated a fortnight to completing it and it blew me away just how quickly people were sending money through because everyone is struggling.

"I don’t like asking for money but at the end of the day, we need to keep it free because if we start charging the whole ethos is away. It’s always got to be free.”

Cumnock Chronicle:

Alison reported that individuals had climbed Munros, walked from Glencoe to Fort William and even got their steps in on holiday to ensure the target was met. A huge thanks also went to Nith Valley Embroidery for kindly donating a t-shirt for the challenge.

She added: “People from Japan and Australia follow the page so it’s nice to see if they get involved. It lets you see some of the scenery and the animals elsewhere, too.”

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/3AY9Glm