DETAILS on the number of animals helped by York's RSPCA branch have been released, and staff have appealed for help fundraising.

The branch will host a fun day this weekend, and announced this week that in 2016, they took in:

-194 dogs

-324 cats

-25 rabbits

-94 other small animals

Manager Angela Hunter said the branch had rehomed 142 dogs, 265 cats, 21 rabbits and 71 small animals, reunited dogs, 10 cats and four rabbits with their owners and 56 feral cats were caught, neutered and released.

Angela said her staff, volunteers and trustees were "hardworking, dedicated to the cause and passionate about animal welfare", and over the course of 2016 the branch had dramatically reduced the average length of stay for the animals in their care.

She said: "For the dogs rehomed in 2015 the average length of stay was 134 days, in 2016 this was reduced to 55 days. For cats the average length of stay dropped from 82 days to 58 days."

Angela also thanked those who work in the charity's shops often work on days off to ensure income for the cause, and York shop manager Alison Bootland said major sales for the store included a £250 Dresser, a £250 Suite, and a £150 Royal Albert tea set which was sold and packed up to be sent to America.

Also helping with the fundraising this year is Callum Stewart, who works at the animal home, who is urging the public to sponsor him and help dictate the terms of his fundraising efforts.

He said: "I am having my hair cut, I might even shave it off.

"It's quite long. It's taken four years to get this far, but now I'm ready to say goodbye to it - but only if i raise enough. I'm using this opportunity to raise funds towards a Hydro Water Treadmill and other items for animal enrichment and rehabilitation at the RSPCA York Animal Home."

If Callum reaches £1,000, he will shave his head, while £500 will see him lose four inches of hair.

The cut will take place at the animal home in Landing Lane between 11am and 3pm on Sunday, June 18, and you can donate online at justgiving.com/fundraising/Callum-Stewart3