AN animal lover and artist is combining the two to help support a Worcestershire rescue centre.

Malvern artist Claire Merriman has pledged to paint 100 portraits of cats and 100 portraits of dogs, in aid of Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter for which she has been a volunteer since November 2013.

The 33 year-old, of Malvern Link, said: "I had been sketching the cats I was particularity fond of as a way of remembering them, when it struck me that perhaps I could do some drawings to sell and raise money for the shelter.

"I mostly work with patterns, so moving into portraits is a new venture for me, let alone animal portraits. It's exciting to use different techniques and I love working with the animals.

"I will be painting the cats and dogs which reside at the shelter, and hopefully it may raise their profile to help their chances of being re-homed too."

Miss Merriman, who herself has a female cat called Jack, has so far created 20 portraits of cats and dogs which are ready to be sold.

Each portrait will be sold at £45, of which 10 percent will be donated to the shelter. Miss Merriman will also take on commission work too, if pet owners wish to have a portrait of their beloved animal created.

Claire Tregunna, manager of the shelter, said: "Any kind donation we receive is greatly appreciated, so we are very grateful for the work Claire is doing for us."

The proceeds from Miss Merriman's work will go toward food costs for the animals the shelter takes in.

To view the portraits, or more information, visit clairemerriman.co.uk