ANIMAL welfare volunteers have warned their branch may have to close because of a lack of funds.

South Durham and North Yorkshire RSPCA branch members care for abandoned and ill-treated cats.

But secretary Vanessa Robinson said the group was having to turn animals away because of a funds shortage.

"We get cats from all over the place, but it is getting to the stage where we can't take them all in," she said.

"The volunteers care for the cats in their own homes and they are having to pay out a lot of money themselves. We desperately need help."

She said the branch would fold shortly unless donations were received.

"It is an awful thing to ask, but what we really need is cash. We have been struggling for a couple of years and we are simply not going to survive."

The branch, which has six volunteers, covers a large area extending from Crook to Catterick.

To make a donation or offer a home to a cat call Ms Robinson on (01325) 377878.

The branch will be fundraising today, from 10am to 2pm, at Pets at Home, on Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road, Darlington, and on Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, in the Morrison's store at Morton Park, Darlington.