A STRAY dog in Greece is one step closer to being saved from death thanks to the generosity of animal-lovers in the Maidstone area.

More than £1,000 has been donated to help Scruffie since a Maidstone woman's bid to rescue him was featured in last week's Kent Messenger.

Sally Skinner, 41, of Claygate, Shepway, is desperate to return to the holiday island of Kos, where just weeks ago she fell in love with the stray dog who befriended her.

The mother of three is trying to raise £2,500 to bring him back to England before he is killed at the end of the tourist season when many animals are poisoned to control the island's stray population.

Donations to the Save Scruffie Fund mean Mrs Skinner can now afford to fly to Kos this weekend to have Scruffie injected and moved into temporary foster care.

Mrs Skinner, who also hopes to make final arrangements for the dog to be flown back to the UK while she is there. Dozens of people have contacted Mrs Skinner or visited her at work at Sainsbury's supermarket in Romney Place to make donations.

They have included a £5 note with a message reading 'To Scruffie with love' and cheques for £100. She has also received more than 30 letters of support. To make a donation call Mrs Skinner on 01622 682713.