Beloved pets across Dorset will have a better chance of surviving a house fire thanks to the work of one determined animal lover.

All fire engines in the county could soon be equipped with a specialist animal oxygen mask ready to help pets suffering from smoke inhalation.

Rose Bunce, owner of Phoenix salon in Antelope Walk, Dorchester, is the driving force behind a fundraising mission to raise enough money to purchase the masks through charity Smokeypaws.

Rose, who is an ex-police officer and has seen the devastating effects of pets getting caught up in household fires, only started her fundraising mission last month but is now just £40 off her target of £500.

During an open day at the salon on Saturday (3), Rose held a raffle in aims to raise awareness and money for the cause.

She said: "We have raised £460 so we are almost at our target and are going to push on to buy more for the responders.

"We found the public extremely generous and local dogs came to visit while out shopping with their owners.

"We met a lovely lady who had lost her own pet in a house fire very recently. She was a little tearful but so pleased we were doing this event.

"Some people had seen a new program about Devon fire services getting the masks, but most were shocked and had never realised they were needed. People were thankful we braved the weather, and the free food and bubbly went down well.

"Lots of people were educated about pet safety in fires.

"We want to thank all the businesses in Dorchester that donated to the raffle."

The masks, which cost £100 each to buy, will be donated to fire stations in Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport and Sherborne.

Rose said members of the public can still donate to the cause using charity tins in the salon and in the nearby Loft Cafe.