A Porthmadog businesswoman is appealing to the public to raise money for those affected by the devastating fires in Australia after being moved by the plight of the country’s people and animals.

Shop owner Meryl Williams told the Cambrian News how people who would like to help can donate money in Siop Pike.

The shop, on High Street, has been doing its part this week to help those affected by the fires by choosing the New South Wales Rural Fire service & Brigade Fund as its charity of the week.

Staff would like to donate money to the fire service to help the people and animals affected by the fires and a box has been placed in the shop for people to leave donations.

Explaining why this charity means so much to her shop owner, Meryl said: “Many of our customers are concerned about the situation in Australia.

“It is possible to donate to various charities via Facebook but many people are unable to do so.

“They are however able to donate small amounts in a shop like ours and we will then send all the donations to the charity.

“It was my step-daughter, Cain, who saw the details about the charity on Facebook and she suggested that we could ask for donations in the shop.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation in the shop has until Monday, 20 January to donate.