A South Hams animal charity is facing an unexpected £900-a-month increase in its water bill as the ongoing heatwave and lack of rain leave its usual rainwater supplies running dry.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home, normally harvests rainwater to clean its kennels and animal facilities.

But after months without meaningful rainfall, the charity has been forced to rely on mains water, increasing its bill by around £30 every day.

That amounts to approximately £210 a week or £900 a month in additional costs simply to maintain the cleaning and hygiene standards needed to keep the animals safe and healthy.

General Manager Claire Sparkes said the charity had already reduced its water use "to the bare minimum" and closed two kennel blocks because of rising costs.

She said: "We normally collect rainwater, which we use to clean our kennels and facilities. It’s an important way for us to reduce our environmental impact and keep our running costs as low as possible.

"But with no meaningful rainfall for months, our recycled water supplies have run dry, so we have no choice but to use mains water."

The charity is also facing increased costs from air conditioning needed to keep animals cool during periods of extreme heat.

Ms Sparkes said the additional water costs were "a significant additional expense we didn’t see coming" at a time when the charity was already struggling to make every pound count.

Gables does not receive government funding and relies entirely on donations from the public to care for the animals at the home.

The charity has launched a Drought Appeal and is asking people to donate towards the unexpected costs.

Donations can be made by calling 01752 331602, through the charity's website, JustGiving or PayPal.

People who are unable to donate are also being encouraged to share the appeal with friends, family and on social media.

The charity says any money raised above the amount needed for the appeal will go towards its general funds to support the animals in its care.