A Southampton mum has started a 'pet bank' to support struggling families take care of their beloved pets - so they don't have to give them up.

Animal lover Gemma Murphy, a trustee for the Single Parents Support and Advice Service (SPSAS), a charity which supports single parents and their children, was inspired to set up the pet bank after a family she helps got in touch with her in urgent need of cat litter but were unable to afford it.

Gemma struggled to find a local resource that could help, and made a direct appeal on Facebook.

The outpouring of support has inspired her to set up a 'pet bank' where donated essentials such as food, litter and toys can be distributed to people who need them.

Gemma said: "I had a family that was in desperate need due to urgent circumstances.

"I ended up with 50 different people offering donations, it sort of inspired me.

"Unfortunately there are so many pets being put to sleep at the moment, or being put into rescues, it’s the last thing anybody wants. Anyone could lose their job in a second, or have severe unexpected circumstances.

"No animal should go hungry, just like no human should."

Gemma adds she wants to create a safe place for people to ask for pet supplies, and to give owners in need a place to turn to. She says that some owners can be forced to take their pets to shelters or have them put down because they simply cannot afford to keep them.

The pet bank is planned to start operating next week, and will be operated through SPSAS. Initially it will be delivering supplies to those who get in touch. 

Read more: Eastleigh Basics Bank facing £20k deficit every year

Gemma added that a negative reaction from people saying that being unable to afford pet essentials means that they should get rid of their pet galvanize her.

"It was heartbreaking. They are being ridiculed online for something that happened unexpectedly," added Gemma.

"Every animal owner loves their pet, and treat them like their children. We want to help people who have fallen on hard times to take care of them."

Read more: I tried volunteering at St Francis Animal Welfare shelter

Anyone who wants to get in touch to make a donation or offer support, contact Gemma on gemma.murphy@spsas.co.uk

Gemma is also asking local businesses who wish to lend their support or donations to get in touch.