ANIMAL lover Sam Aston, who plays Chesney in TV's Coronation Street, took time out from filming to lend his support to a charity close to his heart.

The teenage celebrity officially opened an RSPCA distribution centre in Radcliffe, which will be used to stock and sell quality second hand furniture to raise vital funds for the organisation.

Sam, aged 13, said: "I am a big supporter of the RSPCA. I love animals. At my home I have a parrot, three cats and two budgies. I know about the work this charity does.

"I am always happy to use my celebrity status to raise awareness of it."

The distribution centre is on the Bradley Fold Industrial Estate and will stock furniture donated by animal lovers, who want it sold to raise funds for the charity.

Sam, who plays Chesney, in the ITV soap, was joined by Tinker the dog as he opened the new centre.

Following the opening, Sam spent the morning signing autographs.

Mandy Tierney, RSPCA branch manager for Bury, said: "Sam is always happy to support our work.

"Through the distribution centre, people who need it will be able to pick up good quality furniture at reasonable prices and the charity will also benefit.

"This centre is the first of its kind for the RSPCA.

"We decided to open it because we had so many people contacting us about taking their old furniture to sell to raise money for the charity."