The local animal charity, Help for Cats will have a stall at the Ross-on-Wye Market House tomorrow (Saturday, November 12th) where they will be selling homemade cakes and preserves, quality bric-a-brac, and small household items, to raise funds for the charity, which is run solely by volunteers.

The group has been operating in Herefordshire and West Gloucestershire since July 1999, and the volunteers are hoping to raise awareness of the work they do in the area.

Help for Cats was founded by Dr Audrey Metheson, who has rescued and rehabilitated animals in need, during the course of her work in European and third world countries.

Ian Nicholls, from Ross-on-Wye, is one of the charity’s volunteers. He told the Gazette that Help for Cats take in stray, unwanted, injured or abandoned cats in need of food, shelter and veterinary care. He said they never turn a sick cat away, and the team will do their best to nurse them back to health, and eventually rehome them.

He added that some members of the team foster homeless cats until new, permanent homes can be found. They also spay and neuter cats free of charge, particularly for pet owners who are on low incomes or state benefit.

Ian said:?“We are always in need of support, by way of dedicated, interested volunteers who can support us at maintain our proud boast: ‘if they need us we help.’

“It does involve time and energy, but most of all, a love of cats.”

He added:?“The costs of running the group are mainly veterinary and, due to the ill health of many of our rescued animals, these bills can run into hundreds of pounds each month.

“The running of our monthly stall in the Market Place, together with our Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter Jumble Sales helps greatly and we are fortunate to have animal lovers who support us, both financially and donating foodstuffs, but the monthly costs are ever-increasing.”

If you would like to find out more about Help for Cats, or to support them by making a donation, speak to one of their volunteers at their stall on November 12th.

They will also be attending the Christmas Jumble Sale and Fayre at Lea Village Hall on Saturday, December 10th, from 1pm.