AN Oxfordshire branch of a pet charity is looking to ignite the county's Christmas spirit as they unveiled the world’s first donations-powered Christmas tree.

And it fell to a plucky 18-week old Jack Russell terrier puppy named Max to switch on the lights to mark the festive period together with his sidekick Banks the horse.

Max was brought to Burford’s Blue Cross after being abandoned by an unscrupulous seller and centre managers felt the rehoming centre was the perfect venue for the donations tree which will shine brighter with every donation received.

Blue Cross Burford rehoming centre manager Jenna Martyn said: “The festive period is meant to be a happy time of year for everyone but we expect to be caring for over 1,000 sick, injured and homeless pets across our 11 rehoming centres on Christmas Day this year.

“Our beautiful Christmas tree will shed a light on the work that all our valued centre staff and volunteers do at our clinics and rehoming sites across the country.

“Blue Cross is totally reliant on public donations to continue its work helping pets in need. Every light on our tree represents the kindness and generosity of those who’ve sent in donations to help the pets in our care and every single donation is very welcome.”

Max will now spend his first Christmas with his new family after being rehomed a few weeks ago thanks to the efforts of the charity and Banks who also lent a hoof for the big switch on, which took place on Thursday at the centre.

The unique 12-foot blue tree has been decorated with fairy lights that will only light up with a set number of donations until December 24 up to a total of £7,500.

Each of the tree lights represents 50 individual donations received through the post from November 24 until Christmas Eve.

The donations are counted by hand on a daily basis by Blue Cross as they come in and will go towards the work to rehome animals at risk.

The tree also features 50 baubles, each one picturing the portrait of a pet Blue Cross has looked after throughout the year.

Manager at the other Oxfordshire branch of Blue Cross branch in Lewknor, Tim Sillis said: “Our beautiful Christmas tree will shed a light on the work that all our valued centre staff and volunteers do at our clinics and rehoming sites across the country, including here at Lewknor.

"Blue Cross is totally reliant on public donations to continue its work helping pets in need.

"Every light on our tree represents the kindness and generosity of those who’ve sent in donations to help the pets in our care and every single donation is very welcome. If anyone is thinking about taking on a new companion, then please do pay us a visit – we’ve got lots of lovely dogs, cats and rabbits looking for a second chance.”