ANIMAL charity the RSPCA is hoping 50 of its longest-serving residents can mark the Queen's Jubilee with a new home.

And seven of the cats and dogs featured in the national campaign come from its York base.

The charity is highlighting 50 of its neediest cases, and urging people to offer them a home this year.

The 28 dogs and 22 cats are pictured on a specially designed poster.

Among them are residents of the Landing Lane centre, including:*Marlon the three-year-old Labrador Terrier cross, who has been at the York centre since December 2001.

* DJ, a ten-year-old German Shepherd who was rescued in July 2001 after being locked up in a barn.

* Wolfie, a four-year-old Wolfhound who was rejected by his owners who thought he was too big to be around children. He has been in the York centre since September 2001.

* Alvin, a two-year-old Merle Lurcher who has been looked after by the RSPCA since May 2001. When he was admitted he was thin and covered in fleas, with a growth on the side of his head. He is now fully recovered.

* Primrose, a three-year-old Saluki cross dog who was admitted in May 2001.

* Helen, a five-year-old tortoise shell cat who has been there since May 2001.

* Mesmer, a three-year-old Staffordshire cross dog who was brought in in July 2001 when his owner became homeless.

"These are just a few of the thousands or cats, dogs and other animals which are looking for new homes in animal centres throughout Yorkshire and the north east," said Alan Wolinski, the charity's regional manager.

Updated: 08:46 Tuesday, May 28, 2002