AN animal rescue centre which will be a lifeline to abandoned and neglected cats and dogs is a step nearer thanks to a generous grant.

The RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch received a grant of £50,000 towards the cost of the new 20 pen cattery from the Lilian Andrews Charitable Trust.

The branch hopes work on the cattery can begin by the end of this month, weather permitting.

The total estimated cost of the cattery and cat isolation unit, all electrical work, heating, lighting, kitchens, wall and floor finishes would cost £95,000.

With the £50,000 grant the branch needs to raise a further £45,000.

Branch trustee Geraldine Haynes said: “This will help us enormously and the branch is so grateful to the charitable trust trustees, who decided to support our project.

“The new cattery building will be built to excellent standards, in an L shape, providing 20 large pens, with a kitchen/store linking the two blocks.

“The branch needs to raise the remainder of the money needed to complete the cattery with electrical work, heating, lighting, floor and wall finishes and to build the separate cat isolation unit.”

Groundworks started at the end of November to provide the foundations for the new buildings and the drainage for the site at Broomhall, near Worcester.

Mrs Haynes said: “The awful wet weather has not helped and the contractors are continuing to work in difficult conditions.

"When the groundworks are completed, we can move onto phase two, funding permitting.

“We need the public's support to help us to get up and running with the much needed cattery to care for abused, neglected and abandoned cats in the Worcestershire area.

“Our branch is self-financing, a separate charity in its own right and will receive no financial help from RSPCA HQ towards this project.”

For anyone wishing to donate towards this desperately needed rescue centre, please send a cheque made out to "RSPCA Worcester Branch" and send to 12 Sansome Place, Worcester WR1 1UA or donate via the branch website, www.rspca-worcester.co.uk/

The branch also needs to raise the funds for the new animal centre building to provide reception, veterinary room, grooming room and 20 large kennels with outside runs and dog exercise areas.

There is a "Buy A Brick" appeal, where people can buy bricks for themselves or in memory of a beloved family member or pet. It is just £3 a brick and can be purchased by cheque, via the website or by texting BRIC24 £3/£6/£9 etc to 70070 to donate, for example BRIC24 £9.

A record will be kept at the centre, when open, of everyone who has been part of the "Buy A Brick" appeal and those which have been bought in memory.

All donations will go entirely to the building work.

The branch is run by volunteers who give their time freely for animals in need in the Worcestershire area.

For more information, call Geraldine Haynes,

branch trustee on 01886 822083.