BOARDING kennel staff are struggling to cope after a sudden surge of homeless pets.

Sadberge Boarding Kennels and Cattery, a private facility which normally only takes paid-for animals, is now accommodating 18 stray cats out of kindness.

Sophie Moran, a worker at the kennels, near Darlington, said: "We aren't a charity, we are like a last resort for the cats.

"People come to us if all other rescue centres are full or can't take any more animals.

"If we didn't take the cats then the only other option would be for the owner to put them down.

"It's not too bad when wehave cats coming in and out, but the problem is that nobody is adopting pets near Christmas time, when they need it most.

The cats are free to a good home and have been well kept in the past."

Anyone interested in rehoming a cat can contact the kennels on 01325-332433.