THE RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch has for the first time in its 105 years history opened its own rehoming centre.

The Holdings Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Broomhall near Worcester, opened its doors to the public on Tuesday.

The Worcester News has previously reported how the cattery is part of a £1 million project at the five acre site, which began during a centenary appeal in 2011.

Although the centre is initially focusing on cats, long term there are plans to expand for dogs and rabbits, as soon as the money is raised to fund the next phases.

The centre currently has 20 pens and, on Monday, 19 cats were moved to the centre from a private boarding cattery the branch had been using for the past six years.

Each pen has its own thermostat with a heater and fan to get the required temperature.

The new residents include Stardust, a good natured 18-year-old tortie and white girl, who's looking for her retirement home and Astra, a friendly young tabby, who is recovering from surgery for a broken pelvis which staff believed she suffered in a road traffic accident.

Trustee Geraldine Haynes said: "All went well and the cats seemed to like their new pens.

"Each cat pen has its own thermostat and, if it's too warm, the fan comes on automatically.

"They have a little shelf with carpet above their sleeping area, where they can sit and keep an eye on what's happening around the site.

"We still have a long way to go until the centre is fully completed, but are very happy to be opening."

The centre is open every day, except Wednesdays, between 11am and 4pm.

Anyone who is interested in making a donation to the project or who would like to sponsor a cat each month can call Geraldine on 01886 822083.

To volunteer at the centre visit the branch website rspcaworcester.org.uk.