Cattery appeal is just purring along.

Byline: By Chloe Griffiths

The rspca yesterday praised people across the region for their generosity in helping to raise more than half the amount required for a desperately-needed cattery.

The animal charity is attempting to raise pounds 300,000 to convert a former primary school on Beaney Lane near Chester-le-Street into the only domestic animal centre in the North-East.

More cats than any other animal in the region are neglected, abused or mistreated, and the animal charity has been eager to build the cattery since the Millennium.

The charity launched their campaign in December and has already collected pounds 170,000 from public donations and funds from other RSPCA centres.

RSPCA regional representative Heather Holmes said: "It's a huge amount for us to raise in such a small amount of time.

"This campaign is really important and we knew people in the region would support us, but we had no idea we would raise so much money in such a short space of time."

Volunteers from the charity held a four-day street collection from January 25 to 28 with the help of Shaggy, a huge Scottish Deerhound, and Sixer, a tiny Yorkie, in the centre of Newcastle.

After counting up the collection, the charity has been overwhelmed by the generosity of shoppers who donated pounds 3,422.

Heather said: "This really does show how very generous people in the North-East are and that they are very aware of animal welfare.

"Their attitude really does stand out, and we are very grateful."

The charity's fundraising is currently exceeding all their expectations, but Heather insists there is a lot of hard work to go if they are to reach their goal of starting work by September.

The charity also intend to use the funds to staff the cattery and provide water and warmth to the entire building, which will be gradually transformed into a RSCPA centre, complete with veterinary suite and homes for dogs and other domestic animals.

Now the charity is appealing for volunteers to help ensure donations for the cattery continue to come in.

Heather said: "We would like to hear from anyone who wants to carry out fundraising or join our steering group and help make the cattery a reality.

"All volunteers need is enthusiasm, a few hours a week and the ability to work as a team."

Anyone who is interested in helping the charity ( with anything from tin-rattling to helping with fundraising suggestions ( should call [phone].