money donated to a memorial for Bruce, the police dog destroyed by Sussex police, is to be used to help save unwanted pets.

Readers of The Argus donated more than £600 to the Bruce fund when the dog was put down after he bit off part of a teenager's ear during a street incident.

Some of the money went towards a plaque, which was placed above the spot where Bruce's ashes lie in the garden of PC Tattum, Bruce's handler.

However, PC Tattum, who was devastated by Bruce's death, wanted any excess money to be donated to an animal charity.

PC Tattum's wife Kay has presented the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), in Shoreham, with a cheque for £531.

PC Tattum said: "We decided the money should go to an organisation which saved dogs.

"The NCDL is under pressure all the time, so we thought the cheque should go to them."

The money will go towards improving exercise areas and kennels at NCDL, due to be rebuilt in September.

Kay said: "We were completely overwhelmed by all the people who sent in money. It helped my children and myself to cope with what happened.

"We are still getting over Bruce's death, but people's reactions have been wonderful."

The NCDL centre, which has room for up to a hundred dogs, will be expanded to include neutering facilities and a luxury kennel furnished with real beds and sofas.

Sharon Prior, who works at NCDL, said: "We are very grateful for the cheque. The facilities we have at the centre are pretty basic and the donation will help improve the lives of the dogs - some of whom are with us for a long time."

Bruce was put down by a lethal injection after failing a safety test in April.

He bit off part of a 14-year-old boy's ear while officers were tackling a brawl involving youngsters with knives and bottles in Morley Street, Brighton.

At the time, Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo approved the dog's destruction. He stood by his decision but was forced to make a public apology for describing Bruce as a piece of equipment.

PC Tattum, who lives at Seaford, is still continuing his search for a replacement for Bruce.

NCDL, which has found homes for 2,700 dogs in the last four years, expects to open its expanded facilities in September 2003.