Herriot family open animal centre

The project was funded entirely by public donations.

Dr Page said her father supported the Blue Cross "vehemently" and would have been "thrilled" with the new centre.

She added: "Our dad was a massive animal lover and travelled with his dogs day and night."

Dr Page and Mr Wright were given a tour of the centre's facilities, which include a special unit for expectant mothers and young litters, a quarantine block and an undercover play area to exercise and train dogs in all weathers.

Deputy manager Caroline Thompson said: "The continued generosity of local and national animal lovers means that we will be able to find even more loving new homes for the many unwanted dogs and cats we see every year."