WORCESTERSHIRE'S first shop opened to raise funds for the charity Cats Protection has seen a successful first few weeks.

The shop on the St John's road, in St John's, Worcester, which opened on February 1, has been inundated with donated items for sale.

Lynn Glaze, co-ordinator of Cats Protection, which also runs shops in Hereford, Stourbridge and Ludlow, said: "We have been very impressed by the number of donations that have come in through the door from people.

"As an organisation with a devoted membership we obviously attract quite a following but these donations are from people who are new to us. We have also been impressed by the high quality of goods that have been donated.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us so far and to those who have not, I would say come and support us. We are still looking for volunteers to work in the shop."

Cats come into the charity's care from a variety of sources - some from homes where the owner can no longer care for them, others are strays and some have been left with vets, usually when a large bill is involved.

Once the cats come to the charity, it will, if necessary, pay any vets bills before placing them with a 'foster mother', who will care for the felines.

The charity also pays for items such as carry baskets, cat litter and pens. The aim is to rehabilitate and, where possible, re-home cats.

Mrs Glaze, added: "We have re-homed around 300 cats a year for the past two years."

Anyone who wishes to volunteer to work at the shop should call 0870 2408071, or pop in and speak to staff.