BUILDING work has started on a Worcestershire animal charity's new dog kennels.

The dog isolation unit is the latest phase of work at the RSPCA Worcester & Mid-Worcestershire Branch's Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Animal lover and builder Jim Alcock is making good progress with the new block, which will provide two extra kennel spaces on top of the 20 dog kennels the charity is raising funds to build.

Geraldine Haynes, branch trustee, said: "The builders are getting on well, despite the weather we have experienced over the past few weeks.

"It will be good to have two more spaces to use when it is finished and perhaps transfer any long stayers from the private boarding kennels we currently use.

"The Stourbridge Branch of the RSPCA have donated towards the building, so we were able to start work on it sooner than we thought. We will continue to use the private boarding kennels in the meantime."

The charity rehomes abused, neglected and unwanted dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals from the Worcestershire area.

It now has a 20-pen cattery block and a 10-pen rabbit house for small animals on the five-acre site at The Holdings, Holdings Lane, Broomhall, Kempsey, near Worcester (WR5 3FP).

Once they have raised sufficient funds, they can then start the final phase - the reception building, with veterinary room and grooming room and the kennel block to provide 20 large dog kennels with runs and exercise areas.

For more information, visit the branch website rspca-worcester.org or call Mrs Haynes on 01886 822083 or email the branch office on worcester_rspca@btconnect.com.