Animal charity argues its Christmas appeal advert out-emotes the famous John Lewis advert

Forget Moz the Monster and Kevin the carrot - the RSPCA has thrown its hat into the ring for best Christmas advert with the story of Woody the abandoned toy pup.

The tear-jerker video tells the tale of Woody the Christmas pup who is thrown out with the rubbish before being rescued and taken in for care by the RSPCA.

Released today (Friday 1 December) the film, made to highlight the charity’s Kindness at Christmas campaign, features an acoustic cover of the Simply Red song Stars, written by Mick Hucknall. The song was performed by up and coming singer Lucy Ellie.

Proceeds from the single are being donated to the RSPCA to help in their work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming thousands of animals every year. The charity is expecting to take in around 19,000 animals this winter.

Part of the film was shot at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre, manager Deborah Caffull said: “While this video shows the tale of a toy dog – the sentiment behind the story is very real.

“We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs just like Woody every day, all year round.

“It was lovely to show all the different aspects of the work we do – from the inspector rescuing the dog to him being treated by vets, looked after by our canine carers and volunteers before being rehomed.

“This time of year is very busy for us as an animal rescue charity and everyone pulls together to help the animals that come into our care – and this video really shows that.”

The RSPCA is the animal welfare charity in England and Wales. In Scotland, animal welfare duties are the responsiblity lies with the Scottish SPCA.