SHOWBIZ stars have one rule: Never work with children or animals. But Phoenix Nights funnyman Dave Spikey, Jerry 'The Saint' St Clair in the Channel 4 hit comedy series, has ignored their advice and is doing both.

Comedian Dave, from Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, is the proud owner of a goat, 30 hens and four dogs.

And now Dave, winner of two British Comedy Awards, has taken on a new role as patron of Bolton based charity Pet Rehome and has pledged to raise as much money as possible for the abandoned animals service.

And he is 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 used to work just around the corner from the distressed animal shelter and go in on my lunch hour to see what was there.

"After I'd had one or two dogs from there it just snowballed and I've had a couple of goats, loads of cats, dogs and even 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 he is so dedicated to the cause that he feeds them only vegetarian food.

"The tins of veggie dog food cost a fortune and most of the animals come to us having only eaten meat but they're all really healthy and well nourished now."

Dave's long suffering partner Kay said his obsession has, at times gone too far. She said: "I couldn't believe it when he went out for a dog and came back with two goats!

"At times we've had eight or nine dogs in the house which is why Dave's now become more involved with the fundraising side and has become a patron of Pet Rehome."

Pet Rehome, which is based in Bradshaw, is manned by volunteers who take in unwanted and destitute animals. 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 and our monthly vet bill often reaches £500.

"Every animal that comes to us is checked by a vet before going to a foster home. We always visit people who take in the animals to make sure they're OK and will take them back if necessary.

If you can provide a home for an animal or are willing to make a donation please contact Wendy Cooke on 01204 304679.