A GROUP of women have collected more than £700 for an appeal to build an animal sanctuary.

Dressed as cats, Cathy and Helen Southall, Gina Oliver and Joanne Harris visited pubs at Saltburn, Marske, Guisborough and Redcar to raise funds for Saltburn Animal Rescue Association.

Their efforts have helped to bring a dream to build a safe haven for strays a step nearer with £150,000 in the kitty.

Chairwoman Anne Prosser said the association has started to look for suitable sites and half of the appeal target has been reached.

She said: "It has taken us four years to raise this amount. We don't want to take another four years to get the rest; we want it in two.

"We have looked at three sites already and we have been in touch with the council and estate agents. We are looking, though we have not got all the the money we need. We are seriously considering getting a mortgage."

The association is considering whether to open a charity shop or to introduce a gift aid scheme.