Red Nose Day has become a firm fixture in the charity calendar, but now it’s the turn of our four-legged friends to have their time in the spotlight.

South Norfolk animal rescue centre Wetnose Animal Aid, based in Kirby Cane, is calling on animal lovers to get involved in national Wetnose Day on Friday, September 25.

The event, organised by the non-profit organisation, hopes to raise much-needed funds for the thousands of sick and neglected animals living in rescue shelters.

People are being asked to buy and wear a black foam nose and pose with a nose alongside celebrity names including Amanda Holden, Paul O’Grady and Ricky Gervais who have pledged their support.

Wetnose Animal Aid was established in 2000 by Andrea Gamby-Boulger and her late husband Gavin to care for stray and sick animals at their rescue centre and in 2014 they launched National Wetnose Day in a bid to raise funds for smaller animal shelters across the UK.

Mrs Gamby-Boulger said: “Humans have Red Nose Day, so we launched Wetnose Day for our four-legged friends. We need to speak up on their behalf.

“In its first year, the campaign raised around £3,000, but more is needed and this year the target is £30,000.”

She said 30 dogs are euthanised every day due to a lack of space and shelters desperately need money to continue their work.

Mrs Gamby-Boulger added: “They rely on donations and the generosity of animal lovers to come to their aid. This year we want to raise £30,000 to help them pay off vet and feed bills.”

She also called on people looking for a pet to make rescue centres the first place to visit: ”These animals deserve a second chance and have so much love and fun to bring to their new owners.”

If you would like to pose with a nose, they are available from www.wetnoseanimalaid.com at £4 each.