A RESCUE centre for cats faces a bleak future unless it attracts more supporters.

Black Cat Rescue, in North Duffield, near Selby, has had huge veterinary bills to pay this year after caring for more than 100 cats. The majority of the these felines now have new homes.

Jackie Bower, 64, who founded the centre in 2001 and runs it by herself, relies on donations of food and cash and also holds regular coffee mornings in Selby and one-off fundraisers to keep the centre going.

She has recently launched Black Cat’s annual Christmas Food Appeal and, if successful, it will keep the centre going through the Christmas period and into the New Year.

Jackie said: “Every year gets harder to keep enough money coming in for food, heat and litter.

“I will have retired by the end of next year and as I don’t have anything like a decent pension I am going to struggle with everyday expenses, let alone huge vets bills.”

She added: “If we don’t get more supporters and donations of food and money then it will be very difficult to keep the centre going.”

The centre’s cat litter bill alone is £250 every four weeks and Jackie has to pay almost £500 to Selby District Council each year for the authority to dispose of the used litter.

However, veterinary bills are the most costly but “absolutely essential” expense annually, Jackie said.

The centre’s annual Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday at the Hawdon Institute in Selby from 9.30am to noon.

Only new or almost new items will be on sale, including toys and jewellery. There will also be a tombola and a raffle.

To make a food or cash donation to Black Cat Rescue, phone Jackie on 07917 852631. Alternatively, leave food outside the centre in Back Lane, North Duffield.