Charity volunteers are concerned that rescued animals will suffer due to a food store’s new policy.

Volunteers for the Danaher Animal Home, based in Wethersfield, were told they would be allowed to put a wheelie bin in the East of England Co-Op supermarket, in Weavers Court, Halstead, for food donations to give to the animals at the home.

However, this week they have been told they are no longer allowed to have it there.

The animal home is entirely self-funded and takes in hundreds of animals ever year, including dogs, cats and other small domestic animals.

Halstead resident Patricia Booth, who has volunteered with his husband Milton for four years, said: “It has come as such a shock.

“We are gutted.”

Christian Bone, Head of Member and Community Services at the East of England Co-op, said the store supports a number of charities.

“We’ve introduced a token scheme to every one of our food stores, allowing us to support 240 local good causes each year.

"All of our food stores also have a food bank collection point, who also collect pet food helping people to care for their pets."