THERE is plenty of baby talk at an animal rescue centre since the arrival of nine broody hamsters.

Hobo's Animal Rescue, in Evenwood, County Durham, has just taken in the pets from a man at Middlesbrough who said he could no longer cope with them.

Much to the surprise of Tish Robinson, who runs the shelter, at least seven of the rodents are due to give birth in the next few days.

And, with up to seven babies arriving in the an average hamster litter, the centre is facing a hectic six weeks before the youngsters can be separated from their mother and rehomed.

Mrs Robinson said: "We try at all costs not to turn animals away and the owner clearly couldn't handle any more hamsters, but it's quite daunting to think how many could arrive.

"Seven are already making nests ready for birth and the other two are probably expecting as well. We're going to need help to cope.

"They have to stay here until they are at least five weeks old and we'll have to help rear them because the male and female ones need to be separated so they don't fight or start breeding themselves."

She is desperate to find homes for the hamsters, along with homes for two rabbits, two rats and two chinchillas, five guinea pigs, five gerbils, 12 cats and five kittens.

She said: "Ideally we'd find good new homes for them all, but I'd also really appreciate donations of pet food, bedding, toys, water bottles and cages for the hamsters."

Anyone who wants to give a home to any of the animals or make a donation can call Tish on (01388) 832570.