THE recently-opened Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter has been awarded a contract to house the district's stray dogs.

The shelter at Deblins Green finally opened in March this year after nearly 20 years of fundraising. It cost £128,000 to build and running costs are around £50,000 a year.

This week Malvern Hills District Council agreed to award the Newland shelter a three-year contract to deal with dog warden services and stray dogs. The previous contract with Jagen Pets Hotel at Great Witley was terminated in November when the business was sold.

Colin Davis, director at MHDC, said of the move: "It could save us about £3,000 a year so it's a win-win situation for us and the centre."