FAMILIES are being urged to remember the RSPCA when planning a spring clean.

Organisers say an animal's life could depend on a decision to throw out unwanted clothes or furniture.

Alan Wolinski, the charity's regional manager for Yorkshire and the North-East, said the RSPCA exists purely on donations from the public and is therefore urging people to take the time to recycle unwanted but good quality clothes, bric-a-brac, furniture and books rather than throw them away.

Money raised in the RSPCA's 30 charity shops throughout the region is ploughed back into caring for animals which have been abused and abandoned and need veterinary treatment and new homes.

"Our charity shops play an important role in ensuring the RSPCA can do the work it does and the only way we can fill them is with donated goods from the public,'' he said.

He added: "Next time you have a clear out, why not drop off your unwanted items, which are of good enough quality to be resold, at an RSPCA charity shop? You might not want them, but somebody else will.''