ALL this 16-year-old wants for Christmas is to help save the town’s RSPCA centre.

Kind-hearted Kerrie Maher, of Woodstock Gardens, Appleton, has given up her Christmas presents and instead asked her mum and dad, Lindsey and John, to donate the money to the cash-strapped animal centre, on Slutchers Lane.

The kind gesture has helped secure the future of the site after the Warrington Guardian revealed last month that £30,000 was needed before the end of the year to keep the shelter open in 2012.

And the appeal has almost reached its target with just a couple of thousands of pounds still needed.

The Lymm High School pupil said: “I read about the centre in the paper and asked my mum and dad if we could help.

“I was going to get a phone or iPod for Christmas but I asked my mum and dad to take £100 off what they would have spent on me and donate it to the RSPCA instead.

“I feel really good about doing it because it would be so sad if the centre had to shut down.

“I hope it makes a difference.”

The animal-loving family, who have Biscuit the labrador and Poppy the Yorkshire terrier at home, said they were happy to help.

Lindsey, Kerrie’s mum, said: “I was really pleased when Kerrie suggested it. She has always been kind where animals are concerned.

“I think sometimes people spend too much on their kids so this was a lovely idea.”