An amateur running club is raising funds for Fife Zoo after the popular attraction was severely damaged in a fire.

DB12Run, a group set up to support various charities across Scotland, has organised a virtual 5k and 10k run in aid of the recently devastated attraction.

Fife Zoo went up in flames on July 5, just six days after reopening since lockdown was enforced in March.

The facility suffered significant damage in the incident and has been left without water and electricity.

The running club is calling on others to join in its virtual race anytime between now and July 29 in a bid to raise money to support the zoo.

In a post on the fundraiser page set up by the group it says: “Following the devastating fire that has occurred on the 5th July 2020 and due to the huge devastating impact that Covid-19 has had to all zoos, DB12RUN will be holding a virtual run raising in aid for Fife Zoo.

“Every day, Fife Zoo need to raise thousands of pounds just to buy the food the animals need and now due to the fire, more funds are needed more than ever.

“Donations from animal lovers like you have helped to care for all of our incredible animals during this pandemic.

“We are asking for your help once again to get through more unwanted weeks without any income.”

The cost to enter is £11, and £7 from each runner will be sent to Fife Zoo’s JustGiving page.

Organisers added: “A virtual race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the treadmill, at the gym or on a track, wherever you can do it.

“You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.”

Fire crews were called out to Fife Zoo and visitors evacuated as flames ripped through the facility on Sunday.

An eyewitness told the Edinburgh Evening News: "There is smoke and flames pouring out of the soft play building.

“Luckily the keepers were able to evacuate the marmosets safely.

“Their enclosure was closest to the site of the fire.”

Fortunately no animals or visitors were injured in the incident, but the fire has damaged areas of the attraction.

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'Save our Fife Zoo' - organisers arrange virtual run to rescue attraction