CAT owners are being called upon to help a Worcester charity care for unloved pets.

Last year, the Worcester and District branch of Cats Protection rehomed more than 450 cats.

Fran Holder, manager of the Cats Protection store in St John's, Worcester, said: "That's more than one a day, but you have to remember that for every cat in care, there are still two homeless ones."

Ms Holder is launching an appeal for volunteers, fund-raisers and foster' parents willing to look after unwanted kittens.

Cats Protection is a national body that aims to rehome cats in need, promote and encourage neutering and provide people with cat care information.

There is no rescue centre in the Worcester area so the shop in St John's is the local focal point of the charity.

Ms Holder said: "The branch has been going for more than 25 years. It's quite well-established but we have reached the stage where we really need more help.

"At the moment our youngest volunteer is 21 years old and our oldest is more than 80. So it's a very wide range of people.

"We desperately need volunteers for the shop, but also for jobs like delivering neutering vouchers and selling collectables."

The shop is often given valuable, collectable items and Ms Holder is looking for someone with access to the internet who can run an eBay account, from which the branch can auction the more valuable donations.

She is also hoping local cat-lovers with enough space and time to spare will be able to put themselves forward as foster parents.

Margaret Tatler, aged 72, has been volunteering for Cats Protection since 1986. She now plays a vital role in keeping the Worcester shop open and its smooth running.

She said: "I just volunteered because I wanted to help the cats.

"It is very satisfying. I used to help out at the shelter in Hanley Swan, near Malvern, which is gone now, but it's great being in the shop."

On Friday, February 1, the St John's shop will be celebrating its second birthday with a fund-raising event at the Guildhall in High Street, Worcester.

To find out more about the branch, or if you want more information about volunteering, telephone the co-ordinator Lynne Glaze on 01386 751925 or visit www.worcester cats.org.uk