THREE homeless brothers are hoping the New Year will bring a purr-fect new home - but they won't be available until after Christmas.

Josh, Grey and Ginger have been staying at Tibberton's Danemere Kennels after their owner died four months ago.

But staff at the kennels are now hoping the New Year will mean a new start for the cats, which are described as "stately, quiet and very loving."

Nia Quinlan, from the kennels, said although the cats were aged 11 they probably have many more years of affection to give the right owner.

"They are healthy and as happy as they can be under the circumstances," she said.

"Cats when they are well looked after can live into their 20s so they could still bring a lot of happiness to someone for a good many years.

"They are wonderful chunky Tom cats and real characters, but are quite happy to sit with you as you watch television."

But she stressed the cats, which cannot be separated, would not be available until after Christmas.

"We will now be closed until Thursday, January 3, so they will not be available until then," she added.

"But that ensures they, or any of the animals at our kennels, will not just be for Christmas."