THE owner of a cat sanctuary in North Yorkshire has said they are down to their last reserves of food.

Jackie Bower, who runs Black Cat Rescue Centre from her home in Back Lane, North Duffield, near Selby, said the charity-reliant shelter has only a few cans of food left.

Mrs Bower said she has been inundated with unwanted or abandoned cats this year as people who are having to move out of their houses for various reasons.

Mrs Bower said: "Because we didn't have an open day this year, not only am I hundreds of pounds down but also all the cat food that people would normally bring as donations on the day. It was a difficult decision to not hold the event but at 60-years-old I am finding all the physical side of preparing for such a big event too much for me.

"Every year gets harder and harder to keep raising funds and items for sale have been very thin on the ground too. Whether that has anything to do with the number of charity shops I don't know but I have really struggled to collect suitable items and that is how we raise money at our monthly coffee mornings."

New admissions to the shelter this year have included a cat and kittens from an elderly woman due to go into hospital for cancer treatment.

Mrs Bower said: "The babies are beautiful and two are already reserved.

"I said I would also take the five older kittens. Sadly, one of them disappeared before they could catch them and one little soul died three days after coming into the shelter despite two trips to the vet. Happily Norman, Stanley and Fletcher (three gorgeous little tabbies) are healthy and happy and looking for homes."

People who would like to donate good quality tinned food or sachets can leave food at the shelter or phone Mrs Bower on 01757 289435.