AN ENVELOPE full of £20 notes totalling £1,220 has been posted through the door of a charity shop.

Staff and volunteers at the Cats Protection shop in Acomb were stunned to find the donation when they opened up in the morning.

A staff member picked up the post and discovered the envelope and a note to say the donor wished to remain anonymous.

The team who were both shocked and delighted by the windfall say they are keen to show their gratitude to the kind-hearted donor.

"We occasionally get donations of £10 from generous shoppers but this is just such an incredibly generous donation that will help many cats,” said shop manager Mattie Bradshaw. “We would love to say a huge thank you to whoever felt strongly enough about the welfare of cats to gift us such a donation. We are so grateful.”

The money will go to benefit the welfare of cats, particularly those at Cats Protection’s York adoption centre.

Area retail manager Beni Benstead said the donation had come at a particularly busy time at the beginning of kitten season, when the centre is historically busy.

It can cost up to £150 for all of the necessary blood tests, vaccinations, microchipping and neutering for every cat that comes through Cats Protection care but often costs rise for cats like Combie, a black-and-white male who has been at the centre for several weeks.

“Obviously, while the kittens tend to find loving homes quite quickly, cats like Combie – who is often very affectionate but who doesn’t always mind his manners and can be a little grumpy – can cost the charity more while a patient and experienced new owner is found,” added Beni.

To adopt a cat, York Adoption Centre is open daily except Wednesdays between 11am and 3pm, or call 01904 760356 or visit the website at york.cats.org.uk.

The Acomb Cats Protection shop is always looking for donations of good quality second-hand goods, which can be collected if necessary. Contact the shop on 01904 790564.