Pup inspires pop singer

A 1960s pop star is playing charity concerts to raise money to pay for an operation on a puppy that was badly mauled.

Mr Vince Eager (68) of Cherry Tree Close, Radcliffe, has performed at several concerts in the past month, including two at Grange Hall, Radcliffe.

They featured raffles and auctions in aid of the RSPCA Animal Shelter at Radcliffe, which is trying to raise £1,000 for the operation for George, an 11-week-old shihtzu. George was taken to the shelter after being attacked by his father.

The nerves and tendons in his back right leg were so badly damaged that it will have to be amputated.

Mr Eager heard about George’s plight when he adopted another dog from the shelter.

“When they told me I said I would like to help get the money that George needs,” he said.

Mr Eager became a household name along with Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury and Joe Brown.

He also starred in the BBC television programme, Drumbeat, and in the award-winning West End musical, Elvis, for five years.

Mr Eager has raised around £600 so far, including £150 collected by pupils at Dayncourt School, Radcliffe.

He said he planned to hold more concerts and was looking for venues.

“I would like to do one in the Newark area. If anyone has got any nights they would like me to play at I would greatly appreciate it,” Mr Eager said.

The shelter’s fundraising assistant, Miss Louise Sheppard, said: “George was brought in to us because his owners couldn’t care for him. He was fine apart from the leg.

“Knowing Vince, I’m not surprised he wanted to help.”

George, who is being fostered by the shelter’s deputy manager, Mrs Anna Wilson, will need several vaccinations before his operation.

She said he would be able to adapt to having only three legs.

“He’s a strong character. He’ll be able to get over anything.”

When George has recovered and is strong enough, the shelter hopes to put him up for adoption.

“He will definitely find a home,” Miss Sheppard said.