VOLUNTEERS fundraising for an Oswestry animal charity were given a welcome boost on Saturday as celebrated TV ornithologist Iolo Williams stopped by to say hello.

Iolo, a regular on the BBC's hit seasonal shows such as Springwatch, plus nature shows on his native S4C, called into Tesco in Welshpool where volunteers from Hector's Greyhound Rescue were collecting.

Hayley Bradley, chief executive at the dog charity, said she was given a phone call by the bucket collectors to say that Iolo was given his support and making a fuss of the main attractions.

And she admitted she was delighted to raise so much money.

She said: "We had a lovely surprise at our collection at Tesco Welshpool when TV presenter and ornithologist Iolo Williams stopped by to see the greyhounds.

"What a fantastic guy he is and everyone loved him.

"The collection today raised the fantastic amount of £450.02.

"Everyone at Hector's sends many thanks to Tesco and its very generous customers."

Hayley says Iolo is an avid follower of the Hector's, and the Llanfyllin-educated star could also be headed up to Oswestry about a long-term adoption.

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She added: "He follows us on Facebook because he's hopefully going to come up in the autumn and adopt one of our dogs.

"I don't know if knew we were there and whether he had come to support us or was just out to do a bit of shopping.

"But everyone there said he was a fantastic and genuine guy who was chatty – just a really nice guy."

Meanwhile, Hector's has announced that Josie Sedgewick-Davies, who will be lending her voice to the new Chicken Run animated film, has joined the charity as a patron.

She said: "She is a very talented actress who has a heart of gold and a passion for greyhounds.

"We have some adorable photos of Josie helping us recently at a store collection, and she will also be attending our Kennel Open Day in June.

"Josie adores all dogs but greyhounds really have a special place in her heart."