A dog-friendly cafe has raised more than £1,000 for needy animals, by setting up a snack station for customers' canine companions.

North Norfolk News: Whelk Coppers tearooms owner Peter Foster and Alfie the Jack Russell with the dog snack station which has raised £1.020 for the RSPCA. Photo: KAREN BETHELLWhelk Coppers tearooms owner Peter Foster and Alfie the Jack Russell with the dog snack station which has raised £1.020 for the RSPCA. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The Whelk Coppers, on Sheringham's central promenade, has been welcoming dog owners to its tea rooms and gardens since it was opened 27 years ago by Peter Foster and his family.

And, because of its popularity among people walking their dogs along the seafront, manageress Jess Frere-Smith decided to leave out a basket containing a water bowl and bone-shaped biscuits in return for a donation to the Norwich and mid Norfolk branch of the RSPCA.

In less than a year, the café has raised a total of £1020, which staff handed over Sheringham RSPCA charity shop manager Julie Spooner.

Mr Foster, whose own dog Alfie the Jack Russell is also a regular at the cafe, said: 'We can have 12 dogs at a time and even have one dog who will literally bring his owner in so he can have a biscuit, so it is really nice to be able to support the RSPCA.'