An animal centre in Swansea can look forward to a brighter future after winning £2,500 worth of building materials in a competition.
The RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer will utilise the prize to create a new boardwalk which will lead in to its wet woodland area.
It will mean those who suffer from disability or special needs will be able to access the facility, with groups of long-term unemployed in Swansea helping to ensure the work is completed swiftly.
The competition was organised to mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Swansea branch of leading builders merchant Selco Builders Warehouse, which is based on the Swansea Enterprise Park on Upper Fforest Way.
The boardwalk will be of particular use to children from the special unit of the neighbouring Penllergaer Primary School, who regularly attend the centre.
Sally Hyman, chair of Llys Nini, said: “This is a fantastic boost for our animal centre and is going to make a huge difference both to ourselves and the local community.
“At the moment, we have a path which leads down to our wet woodland area but it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
“Winning the Selco competition means we now have the materials to build a boardwalk which will be aided by groups of long-term unemployed in Swansea, bringing this project to fruition.
“Sensory areas will also be included and it means we can open up a key area of our facility to everybody.”
The centre has rescued and rehomed over 14,500 animals since opening in 1995.
Kelvin Coe, branch manager for Swansea Selco which is based in Upper Forest Way on the Swansea Enterprise Park, said: “We are thrilled to help such a fantastic charity as Llys Nini as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations.
“The amount of animals they have rescued and rehomed is testament to the brilliant work they do in and around the Swansea community.
“We have worked closely with the charity on providing the best materials possible for the work they are carrying out and will continue to assist and advise as they construct the boardwalk.”
Swansea is one of 37 Selco branches in England and Wales, all of which supply a massive range of building materials including doors, windows, insulation, roofing, heating, plumbing supplies, lighting, electrical products, kitchens, bathrooms and timber.
Branches also offer an in-branch café, trade services, direct-to-site delivery options and van size parking spaces, all designed to make it easier for tradespeople to get back onto the job as soon as possible.
For more information on Selco or to find details of local branches, log onto www.selcobw.com.