MALVERN'S new animal rescue centre was officially opened last Saturday.

Jean Sainsbury, of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, unveiled a plaque which commemorated 18 years of fundraising to provide the shelter at Hawthorne Lane in Deblins Green.

Committee secretary Janet Arpad said: "We opened for business on April 9 and have 16 or 17 dogs in our kennelling. We desperately needed this facility. Previously, animals were kept for seven days and, if not claimed, they were destroyed. So something had to be built to provide a safe haven.

"We also have the contract for strays for the Malvern Hills area, where the dog warden brings them to us.

"We still desperately need money. Since opening we've spent in excess of £10,000."

The new centre is open from 11am to 3pm, Wednesdays to Sundays.