AN animal welfare charity has launched an appeal to raise £1 million so that it can build a rescue shelter for all of its animals.

In 2011, the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch will celebrate its 100th anniversary and trustees want to mark the occasion with the acquisition of the new animal home.

The branch, which is totally self-financed and receives no funding from national headquarters, has in the past used private boarding accommodation. However, the charity now wants all rescued animals under one roof to save cash and so that prospective adopters only have to visit one place.

Volunteer Geraldine Haynes said: “We intend to start in a small way with 10 dog kennels, 10 cat pens and accommodation for 10 small animals. The animal home will be extended as and when fund-raising allows.”

Mrs Haynes said RSPCA headquarters would not be contributing financially to the project, which will help rescue animals in Worcester, Malvern, Upton, Pershore, Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Redditch and surrounding areas.

A separate animal home project account has now been set up by the branch trustees, who offer their time for free.

The first stage of the project will be to buy a suitable property within the branch area, with a house for the manager and enough land on which the RSPCA can obtain planning permission for the dog kennels and cat pens.

The second stage would be to build the kennels, pens and other accommodation for the animals as well as isolation facilities, a reception, and a dog exercise area.

Once the target has been reached, the appeal would continue so that the animal home can expand in the future.

Anyone wanting to get involved in the project, has fund-raising ideas or wishes to make a donation should write to the Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch of the RSPCA, Branch Animal Home Project, 12 Sansome Place, Worcester, WR1 1UA.

Alternatively, call Geraldine Haynes on 01886 822083 for more information.