A DETERMINED nine-year-old Beith boy has been pulling out all the stops to raise funds in the wake of the Manchester Dogs’ Home tragedy.

Cameron Harkins was moved to tears by television coverage of the shocking fire that killed 53 dogs and injured 150 more on September 13, writes Donald Reid.

And he vowed to do all he could to help.

In recent weeks, Cameron, of McDonald Court, has been going door-to-door around the town selling cartons of dog biscuits to raise funds for the home and the injured dogs.

His proud mother, Paula, said: “Our family have two rescue dogs and Cameron and his sister, Cara, aged 15, just love them to bits and look after them.

"One is a Collie cross Spaniel, Millie aged six and the second is a Jack Russell cross, Poppy aged two.

"Both are very much part of the family and have lovely natures.

"Cameron walks them every day.

“When Cameron saw the news of the tragedy at Manchester with so many dogs killed and injured, he was very moved and asked me lots of questions about what could be done to help the injured dogs and how the dog home would recover from the fire.

“He came up with the idea of going round the doors selling small cartons of dog biscuits from our own two dogs supply and telling locals about why he was trying to raise some money.

"Folk have been so supportive and helpful.” She added: “A local firm in Linwood, Pets at Home, were asked to help and they gave us lots and lots of dog biscuits for Cameron to sell, so he’ll keep going until that large stock runs out.

“The story is now on Facebook and I’ve met folk again from my school days and they have sent donations.

"So far Cameron has raised £170.

"In fact he was so keen to raise money that he actually sold his father, Scott, three cartons for our own dog biscuits, earning £5 for his funds.

"I think I might have a future Richard Branson on my hands!” An elated Cameron said: “It’s been brilliant going round the doors near my home and selling small tubs of dog biscuits for £1.

"I got my pal, Cameron Thomson, who is in my class and who owns a golden retriever called Jasper, to come with me some of the time to help carry my supplies from door to door.

"When people learned why, they were very keen to help.

“Mrs Donnelly at school has also been great and allowed me to bring dog biscuits to sell at school.

"I’m in the Beith cubs and play football at the Astro and they’ve all been keen to help, so I’ve taken my little stall along and made some sales there, too.” The entire family have been very supportive of Cameron’s fundraising efforts. He is already planning to sell his wares at the school Christmas fete and hopes to find out about local dog shows where he can tell his story and do more fundraising.

The local Scout group are also keen to help him in his endeavours and are planning to assist with a fundraiser.

If any reader would like to assist Cameron in his fundraising efforts, contact Cameron’s mum, Paula Harkins, 3 McDonald Court, Beith KA15 1BW or email: paula.harkins@sky.com