BLUE Cross in Bromsgrove has praised its selfless volunteers for their support during lockdown.

The charity had around 100 cats in foster care since the first lockdown in March 2020.

Bella, a cat who was admitted to the centre in January, was shy and afraid of her surroundings at the cattery.

Thanks to volunteers Lucy Matthews and her partner Ryan Page, Bella has made vast improvements.

Lucy said: “It’s taken a lot of time and patience, but Bella will now lie next to me on the sofa and even have a bit of a fuss.”

When Bella was discovered collapsed in her kennel she was taken to the vets who realised she had mouth ulcerations and roots left where her teeth had fallen out, causing her pain.

She was then placed into foster care and started to develop skin problems, so she was put on additional treatment.

Amy Neale, animal welfare assistant at Blue Cross in Bromsgrove said: “Bella really is a case that illustrates how much our volunteer foster carers help local pets. Bella was in a real state when she came to us and struggled with cattery life so having volunteers like Lucy and Ryan is invaluable to us in helping pets looking for a new home. We can’t thank enough all the volunteers who have come forward to help pets like Bella.”

Blue Cross relies on the support of volunteers and donations to help homeless pets.

The Bromsgrove charity is calling for more volunteers to help pets while the charity finds them a permanent home. Anyone interested is asked to contact the centre on 0300 777 1460.