A CAT rescue centre in Accrington has moved into new premises in the town and is now urgently appealing for more volunteers.

When Andy Richards moved to Accrington three years ago he was shocked by the number of stray cats in the area and slowly started taking them in on a one-by-one basis until he could re-home them.

This spring he decided to lease a shop in the town selling second-hand items and holding events throughout the year, including visits by psychic medium Samantha Robson and players from Accrington Stanley, to raise money to help re-home even more felines.

The independent East Lancashire Cats (ELC) primarily helps cats in trouble and Andy has a dedicated team of fosterers who he calls on in emergencies.

Then he tries to find permanent homes for the animals.

He currently has Max, an 18-month-old ginger cat who was living on the streets and has undergone two operations for a large abscess on his neck which had gone septic, Xanadu, a blind kitten and Jeremy, who was severely injured in a dog attack and has a long recovery time ahead of him.

“The rescue is urgently in need of helpers in the shop and practically with the cats – collecting and dropping off cats, vet runs, home-checks and trapping stray and feral cats for which training will be given,” he said.

“Fosterers are also desperately needed to look after cats in their own homes until the cats find permanent homes of their own.

“Donations of cat food and litter are always very welcome.

“If you can help East Lancashire Cats in any way, or if you would like to offer a needy cat a new home, please give me a call,” said Andy.

The ELC shop is at 8 Blackburn Road, Accrington, telephone Andy on 07922 109933 or call in if you can help.

For the latest happenings at the rescue centre you can keep up to date by logging into Facebook at facebook.com/eastlancashirecats.