THE team from a cat rescue centre near York have launched a fundraiser to help care for the animals they bring in.

The Cat Rescue & Welfare Trust, located in Escrick, is able to house up to 22 cats and kittens at one time.

Despite the pandemic, the team managed to home 152 cats and kittens over the course of 2020. They also had to cancel their usual fundraisers due to the national lockdowns.

Last year, the centre's vet bill reached over £12,000, so they "desperately", need to raise funds to get through 2021.

Kate Healing, owner of the centre, said: "Every adult we take in is tested for FeLV and FiV, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, along with a worming and flea treatment program.

"This is heavily subsidised by rescue, as is neutering for all kittens that are homed too young to neuter.

They recently took in a feral cat from another centre as they were full - and it turns out she was heavily pregnant.

Kate added: "We now have seven hand-rear babies which need caring for.

"Hand-rearing takes an immense amount of resilience on the part of the person hand rearing - but is also incredibly costly."

Cassie Webster, a cyclist from Hull, has joined in with the fundraising and will be taking part in the 'Way of the Roses' 170-mile, two-day ride from Morecambe to Bridlington.

All of the new kittens have been named after well-known cyclists, with names including Froome, Vleu and Geri.

Almost £1,500 has been raised on the donation page so far. To support the centre, visit: https://bit.ly/3tpRr34