A TEENAGER who has raised more than £45,000 for various animal charities and shelters has turned her attention to the bushfires ravaging Australia.

Scarlett Berry, 16, from Westhoughton, set up Barking Berry’s Bakery in 2011 when she was just eight years old to raise funds for animal rescue centres and facilities.

To date, she has raised more than £45,000 for Dogs Trust, the Destitute Animal Shelter and Animals in Need .

Now, the youngster, who is studying for her GCSEs, is hoping to send money to help animals hurt and displaced in the ongoing bushfires.

She said: “I started fundraising when I was eight because I wanted to work with animals in some shape or form, but I was too young to volunteer at a vets.

“We have a break around Christmas time and I thought we could try and help with the rescue in Australia.

“The main idea is that it's just after Christmas – so why let unwanted presents go to waste when it could help others?”

Scarlett plans to collect anything and everything, before holding an auction, which has helped provide a large amount of her funds in the past.

While a lot of funds have come through the online auctions, she has also taken part in fun runs alongside her mum.

A family friend has already pledged baked goods to be sold, which will help get the total raised into what Scarlett hopes can be up to £2,000.

Scarlett’s mum, Sarah Dunscombe-Berry, said: “We’ve been watching on TV about the bushfires in Australia and the terrible effect it has on wildlife.

“I have a work colleague in Sydney, so I contacted her and she told us what was best to do to help.”

Scarlett continued: “I want to make this one of the biggest auctions we’ve ever done.

“Our community has really helped support us. We’ve had people in Norway, America and all over the UK messaging their support. This is such a unique event and it’d be great to help out where we can.”

Visit their Facebook page at Barking Berry’s Bakery.