THE giant Tesco distribution centre in Widnes teamed up with Eddie Stobart to help co-ordinate the rescue effort following the Manchester Dogs' Home fire.

Thousands of tins of dog food and supplies collected from customers across the north west are being stored at the West Bank warehouse.

A Stobart wagon has been making non stop trips to pick up lorry loads of donations from customers at more than 90 Tesco stores.

Tesco itself has donated 2.4 tonnes of dog food.

More than £1 million was raised to help the surviving dogs within 24 hours of an arson attack.

More than 3,000 companies have offered to rebuild the home for free.

Paul Menzies, manager of Jewsons builders merchant in Widnes, posted on Facebook he would supply what he could to help.

He added: “I can’t promise thousands of pounds worth of stuff but I will do what I can.”

Tesco spokesman Mark Thomas said: “The Manchester Dogs’ Home fire was a terrible thing and something that hugely affected our customers and the public.

“It was clear that due to the huge generosity of the public, the dogs’ home was struggling for storage space and the ability to transport donations.

“We rallied round to ensure we could provide storage space and haulage for free at our Widnes depot. We did this in partnership with Eddie Stobart.”

Anna Stansfield, manager of sister Cheshire Dogs Home on Knutsford Road, said: “At first you deal with the emergency but we have not even had time to worry about what will happen next as everyone has been so fantastic.

“The support from the public started the same night as the fire and has not stopped since.

“Words can’t describe how grateful we are and hopefully all those people who have supported us will be proud of what we do with the money raised.”

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire on Thursday, September 11.