(from left) Olympian David Murdoch, bearded collie Oskar and singer Danyl Johnston.

Pets across the UK can look forward to a healthy future, after PDSA was awarded £500,000 from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The charity, which helped over 470,000 pet owners last year by providing treatment and advice, will use this money to extend vital treatment and education programmes across the UK.

PDSA costs over £60 million annually to run, and is funded entirely by public support, proving that its services are appreciated by a nation of animal lovers.

Director general Jan McLouglin, commented: “We’re delighted to receive this support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery which will make a massive difference to pets’ lives.

“Every single day our amazing team of vets and nurses work flat out to deliver not just life-saving treatment but also vital advice and preventive care that gives all pets the chance of healthy, happy lives.”

The People's Postcode Lottery is a charity, raising funds, and increasing awareness for charitable causes in the UK. People participate by registering their postcode, and paying £2 for each ticket, of which 50p goes towards charity.

The cheque was presented on May 13 at Inverleith Park in Edinburgh, and the charity was joined at the event by a number of animal-loving celebrities, including members of Britain's Olympic silver-medal winning curling squad.

Singer and People's Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson also attended the event. He spoke of his delight for PDSA: “I have first-hand experience of PDSA’s lifesaving work having visited one of their hospitals last year.

"The vets and nurses really are unsung heroes, helping all those sick and injured pets that have nowhere else to turn. I’m thrilled that this money is going to such a worthy cause.”