A NEW home is needed for a well cared for cat that has been dumped at an animal shelter.

The healthy tortoise-shell queen was abandoned at the driveway of the Ramshaw Rescue centre, near Evenwood, last weekend, in a basket with a week's supply of food.

Kate Wilson, who runs the rescue centre, said: "She is a beautiful cat with a nice nature and will make a good pet for someone.

"She has clearly been looked after and the carrier and packets of food left with her were good quality, which suggests whoever left her just couldn't keep her."

Anyone interested in giving the cat or any other animal at the shelter a home can call (01388) 834644, or visit between 10am and 5pm, seven days a week