BELOVED pet dog Bruno is set for life-saving surgery this week after an appeal by his owner to fund his treatment.

The six-year-old black Labrador is suffering from cancer and thanks to an appeal to TV Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, followed by a fundraising campaign by his owner Rachel Winstanley, he can now begin the road to recovery.

Bruno is the much loved pet of 30-year-old Miss Winstanley and her eight-year-old daughter Katelyn. The pair live with Miss Winstanley's parents and their Labrador Oscar in Heaton.

Bruno fell ill last October when a lump appeared on his face. Although this was at first thought to be an abscess or an insect bite, it was later found to be cancer and the prognosis was not good.

The first vet Miss Winstanley saw did not believe Bruno had long to live.

But after visiting the TV Supervet, Miss Winstanley discovered the cancer had not spread and surgery was possible and she found an Adlington vet who believes it is possible Bruno can be cured.

At the very least, an operation will buy him more time with his devoted family.

This week he will undergo an operation to remove the lump which will leave him with a facial disfigurement.

Miss Winstanley said: "He will look very different after the operation, but it will be worth it to give him that chance.

"There could never be a dog like Bruno. He is amazing."

Bruno has learned how to climb bunk bed stairs and once set the kitchen on fire in his mission to grab food from on top of the cooker, she explained.

"He is a real character and I just want people to realise that you should never give up," she said.

She has been delighted by the response from kindhearted animal lovers who are keen to help Bruno.

They have been buying bracelets and bandanas (new ones are arriving soon with "Bruno's Buddies written on them) with all proceeds paying for Bruno's expensive treatment.

The local Cub Scout group organised a fundraising event and fund raising is continuing as following the operation Bruno will need expensive medication.

But more money is needed to fund Bruno's treatment and Miss Winstanley has set up a Facebook page as well as a Just Giving page for people to donate to.

Anyone who would like to help should visit his Facebook page @Bruno'sbucketlist to find out how to donate.

Donations can be made in person at The Cowshed tea rooms in Winter Hey Lane, Horwich (where you can also buy the £5 bracelets) or at Siobhan Victoria's Dance School in Lee Lane, Horwich.