AS the famous showbiz saying goes, never work with children or animals.

But Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey, Jerry 'The Saint' St Clair in the Channel 4 hit comedy series, has ignored the advice -- as a quick look inside his home will tell you.

For comedian Dave, who lives in Whittle-le-Woods, is the proud owner of 30 hens, four dogs and a goat.

Dave, winner of two British Comedy Awards, has taken on a new role as patron of Bolton-based charity Pet Rehome which cares for unwanted and destitute animals.

And now he's putting his money where his mouth is, donating all proceeds from the Chorley leg of his forthcoming national stand-up tour to the charity.

He said: "I've always loved animals. When I used to live in Bolton I worked just around the corner from the animal shelter and go in on my lunch hour to see what was going on. After I'd had one or two dogs from there it just snowballed.

"I've had a couple of goats, loads of cats, dogs and I've even had a turkey that I rescued from someone who was about to buy it for their Christmas dinner!"

In fact, Dave moved to Whittle-le-Woods because the house he saw had enough land to house his collection.

"All his animals are from rescue homes and Dave is so dedicated to the cause that he insists on feeding them only with vegetarian food.

Dave's partner Kay said his obsession has, at times, gone too far.

"I couldn't believe it when he went out for a dog and came back with two goats," she said.

"There have been a few occasions when we've had eight or nine dogs in the house which is why Dave has now become more involved with the fundraising side and has become a patron of Pet Rehome."

Pet Rehome organiser Kathy Walton said: "We are delighted that Dave wants to help us.

"We find it really difficult to find good homes for many of the animals we have here and our monthly veterinary bill often reaches £500."

Dave's tour reaches Chorley Town Hall on Friday, May 30, a date that has already sold out.

An additional date has been announced for Chorley on May 23 and he is playing in Blackburn on March 22 and 23, although the first date has now sold out.