A WORCESTER animal rescue charity is pleading for help in raising £1 million to realise its dream of a new rehoming centre.

The RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch has permission to move onto a five-acre site at Broomhall, near Worcester, but needs the hefty sum to complete an overhaul of its new home.

The group receives no funding from the national RSPCA charity so must find its own way of paying for the venture on top of its £180,000-a-year operation.

Branch trustee Geraldine Haynes says once open, the centre will benefit people as well as animals.

“If a person goes into a home, or loses their home, we can take their pets in,” she said. “But we are struggling financially and need to raise money to do the work. We really need the public to get behind us.

“Each branch of the RSPCA is self-funding. We get no money from national level.”

She said branch members’ long search for a new site ended last autumn when planning approval was secured for Broomhall, coinciding with the group’s 100th anniversary.

The branch currently uses private boarding for its cats and dogs while rabbits and guinea pigs go to foster homes in the Worcester area.

Once complete, the centre will boast 20 dog kennels and cat pens along with accommodation for small animals and a vets and grooming room.

However, Mrs Haynes says they will look to initially open with 10 kennels rather than wait until the full number is completed.

The branch, run by volunteers, has also launched a ‘Tummies and Tails’ appeal to help treat those animals that come into its care which have been abused or neglected.

As well as donations, the group is looking for companies to help with building materials and individuals to lend a hand doing up the Broomhall site.

Anyone who wants to give money can visit rspca-worcester.co.uk and click on ‘donate’. People can also write to RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch, 12 Sansome Place, Worcester, WR1 1UA, or call 01905 20822. Mrs Haynes can be contacted on 01886 822083.