Following a public vote, Torrington-based animal charity K9Focus has been announced as a winner of RGB Building Supplies’ Well Built Community Fund.

Up against Cornwall BMX Racing Club in Truro and Oksigen Theatre in Launceston, K9Focus, which rescues and rehomes unwanted and abandoned dogs, came out on top and now has £1,000 to spend at RGB’s Bideford branch.

The charity is currently developing The K9 Hub, which will be a fun and non-threatening facility where dogs with behavioural problems can receive specialised training. The hub will also be a place where owners can receive guidance on how to socialise their pets, and young people can gain valuable work experience, as well as giving those with learning difficulties a safe environment to handle friendly dogs.

Lynne Hall from K9Focus said: “In addition to rehoming dogs, we also focus on supporting owners and The K9 Hub will be an essential part of our work. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for us and to RGB Building Supplies for the donation; it will certainly help us to build the hub.”

Dave Underhill, Assistant Branch Manager at RGB Bideford, said: “Our Community Fund is all about helping local groups and charities to complete projects that they would not otherwise be able to do. I was delighted to meet Lynne and Freddie, and see how the donation of materials will be used; I wish them every success with the project.”