THERE were waggy tails all-round at Savills in Downing Street as the estate agent welcomed dogs, and well-behaved owners, to a ‘Ruff ‘n’ Ready’ tea party in aid of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Special dog-friendly cakes and biscuits were available to buy and there was also a raffle with prizes donated by businesses including Barkers, Loaf Bakery, Paisley Cat, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop, Between the Lines and The William Cobbett pub.

More than 100 people came through Savills’ door during the event on Friday, May 27, and with generous donations the estate agent raised £461.

Laura Stiff, a negotiator at Savills and owner of Sophie the Jack Russell, said: “My first dog came from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, so this is a cause close to my heart and one which we are delighted as a business to support.

“The centre costs £40,000 per day to run, it has 480 employees and 1,200 volunteers and, with no Government funding, relies solely on the generosity of donations from the public to support over 8,000 lost, neglected or abandoned dogs and cats each year.”

Lauren Depass of Savills, who helped organise the event, hailed the day as an “incredible” success and thanked the public and local businesses for “helping to raise much-needed funds for this worthwhile cause”.