VIRTUAL animals, which have been neglected by their cruel, virtual owners, are in need of your care in a computer game that will raise money for Wood Green Animal Shelters. The game – called My Animal Shelter – has been is produced by international softwa

VIRTUAL animals, which have been neglected by their cruel, virtual owners, are in need of your care in a computer game that will raise money for Wood Green Animal Shelters.

The game - called My Animal Shelter - has been is produced by international software company Avanquest, which has an office in Meadow Lane, St Ives.

Players will be tasked with caring for a variety of animals that are unwanted, neglected or injured, and will need to keep the shelter up and running through fundraising.

The makers of the game say it also provides young people with an opportunity to learn more about owning a pet and the commitments that come with it. By running their own computerised animal shelter it is hoped that children will learn the basic skills needed to care for animals.

Five per cent of the net profits from each game are being donated to Wood Green Animal Shelters in Godmanchester.

All of the components of the PC game are replicas of what happens at Wood Green on a day-to-day basis, including raising funds to ensure the sick animals can be cared for.

Sharon Evans, director of fundraising for Wood Green, said: "We are delighted that Avanquest have chosen to help raise money for Wood Green in this way.

"The game will not only help give us vital funds but will also highlight the importance of caring for your pets. It is a great way to educate children in animal welfare."

Debbie Hives, marketing manager of Avanquest, added: "We're delighted to be supporting Wood Green Animal Shelters with the launch of our new Animal Shelter PC game.

"The software gives children a great insight into the responsibility of owning a pet, and the important role charities like Wood Green play in caring for sick and unwanted animals.

"Wood Green does a fantastic job and we hope that the donations made from sales of this product will help them continue this vital work."

Wood Green Animal Shelters is a national animal welfare charity which has been re-homing lost and unwanted animals since 1924. The shelter relies on public donations to carry on its work, providing care for a variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses and sheep.

INFORMATION: To purchase a copy of the My Animal Shelter video game or to find out more, visit www.woodgreen.org.uk

We have two copies of the My Animal Shelter game to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us, when Wood Green Animal Shelters was founded.

Send your answer on a postcard or sealed envelope to: Animal shelter competition, The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TB.

Entries should include your name, address and a daytime telephone number and reach us by Friday, October 31.

Usual Archant competition rules apply.