Linda Blair - Blair's Animal Sanctuary Saved By Cowell

Actress LINDA BLAIR has music mogul SIMON COWELL to thank for saving her cash-strapped animal shelter after he donated $30,000 (£20,000) to keep the centre open.

In recent years, the Exorcist star has dedicated her life to her non-profit WorldHeart Foundation, which cares for up to 50 abandoned dogs at a time.

The pet care home was in danger of closing down earlier this year (09) after running out of funds, but Blair reveals Cowell stepped in at the last minute to save the day.

She tells the National Enquirer, "I really thought I'd reached the end of my rope. But then, from out of the blue, came a miracle named Simon Cowell."

And animal lover Cowell admits it was an easy choice for him to make after hearing about the shelter's plight from a mutual friend.

He says, "I think what Linda is doing is incredible. Seeing pictures of the dogs makes you realise what a fantastic job she's doing. When we spoke, I was really impressed by her passion and commitment, and offered to help her out financially."