RSPCA unit named after Sir Tony Robinson's dog

A new RSPCA unit catering for small animals has officially opened in memory of a celebrity patron's dog.

Actor Sir Tony Robinson and his wife became patrons of RSPCA Derby after adopting West Highland white terrier Holly Berry in 2020.

The charity has completed a renovation of the site on Abbey Street, which includes a new small animal unit, a refurbished kennel block and cat quarantine room.

Speaking to the BBC, Sir Tony - known to million as hapless Baldrick in the TV comedy Blackadder - said: "We came up here originally and found [Holly Berry] and I think the place is so wonderful."

Sir Tony and his wife adopted Holly Berry after seeing her on the RSPCA's website.

They made the three-hour journey to Derby and "fell in love" straight away.

Their beloved rescue has since passed away but the pair continue their fundraising efforts.

"What people don't realise is when you say 'RSPCA' you imagine there's this huge mega organisation which is doling out cash to all of them across the country, but that's not the case," he said.

"RSPCA Derby is entirely self-funded and it has to find £12,000 a week - it's such a colossal amount.

"Part of what I want to do is to tell people about this wonderful resource we have in Derby but it only exists because of people's generosity."

Jamie Pritchard from RSPCA Derby said the centre was "delighted" Sir Tony came to see the work they have had done on the site.

The charity has knocked down a storage shed and built a unit specifically for small animals, such as rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds - named the "Holly Berry Robinson Unit".

"He's really so supportive of us and he tries to take every opportunity he can get to pop in and see us," Jamie said.

"We're always busy, most rescue centres are at the moment.

"We've got a waiting list, and as soon as a kennel or a pod is vacated, a pet is straight in to fill that space.

"That's not only here, we have limited capacity, but we have an incredible team of volunteer fosterers."

Sir Tony appeared at the Derby Book Festival on Friday to talk about his debut novel "The House of Wolf" - a "witty recreation" of the Anglo-Saxons, Alfred the Great and the making of England.

Some of the proceeds are going to help in the running of RSPCA Derby.

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