25 April 2008
BOLTON comedian Dave Spikey is being honoured by the RSPCA for his work with animals.
The star of Phoenix Nights will be presented with the James Newton Memorial trophy at a ceremony next week.
The annual trophy is given in memory of a former RSPCA chairman for acts of compassion towards animals.
Spikey's work with the Animals Asia Foundation, which is campaigning to stop bear farming, and his support - as patron - of the Pets Rehome charity, have earned him the honour.
He and wife, Kay, who will be presented with the award on Monday, even adopted a dog from the charity.
All the profits from his recent stand-up show in Wigan - part of his The Best Medicine tour - were also donated to the Bolton branch of Pet Rehome.
Kathy Kay, of the Bolton RSPCA branch, said: "We are extremely grateful to them both for taking the time in their busy schedules to put animals first."