A cat welfare group covering Bolton and Radcliffe has been awarded £3,000 by an animal charity.

The Joyce Ann & Frank Smith Animal Charity Fund raised money to support a vital cat neutering initiative in key areas of Bolton next year.

Cats Protection’s Bolton & Radcliffe branch helped neuter 665 of the animals last year, and will use the donation, administered and appointed by the Bolton Guild of Help, to continue its work.

Fran Davies, coordinator at the branch, explained that some female cats can become pregnant from as young as four months and have up to three litters a year, while unneutered male cats can be aggressive and territorial.

She said: “We cannot thank the Bolton Guild of Help and the Joyce Ann & Frank Smith Animal Charity Fund enough. Without their continued support and funding, we simply would not be able to help as many cats as we do.”

Guild member Tracey Wallace explained that the animal charity which is providing the grant was set up by former Guild of Help board member Frank Smith to support animal welfare initiatives.

She said: “When he passed away, Frank bequeathed further funds to the charity, which now provides grants to 14 animal charities each year.

“The work of these charities is vital in the protection of and care for animals – the Bolton Guild of Help is honoured to be able to distribute these funds to such worthy causes.”