AN animal home will soon start rehousing strays for the first time since the start of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Newcastle and Northumberland branch of the RSPCA at Ponteland have been given the good news by Maff officials.

Restrictions preventing members of the public coming to the kennels to select an animal for re-homing still stand, but alternative arrangements can now be made.

Vince Rodger, the branch re-housing officer, said: "We have dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, budgies and ferrets available for re-homing and from day to day more animals are arriving.

"Hopefully this relaxation by Maff will allow us to resume our re-homing programme. If anyone is interested they should phone me and I will make arrangements to meet them at Ponteland."

Contact Mr Rodger on 0191-469 4769 or 07973 952575.