THE cats of Malvern have a new champion with the opening of a charity shop in Barnards Green.

The shop is the latest venture from Worcester and District Cats Protection, and will raise funds for the group's good work across the county.

Volunteers have been working hard in recent weeks to get the premises at 129/131 Barnards Green Road ready for the grand opening, which was set to take place yesterday (Thursday), with staff holding a cake sale and treasure-hunt tombola.

Shop manager Emma Mears said: "We've got plenty of good-quality stock: ladies', men's and children's wear, toys and games, books and media, as well as new Cats Protection merchandise.

"It's very exciting and I'm looking forward to running it. I want to thank all those volunteers who's help was invaluable in setting up the shop, and all those who donated merchandise, event before we opened, allowing us to open with a full shop."

All the money it raises will be spent locally by the Worcester branch on its work of rescuing, rehoming and caring for cats.