Worcester’s RSPCA is hoping to raise money for a new kennel at its final fundraising event of the year.

The local branch opened its Holdings Rescue Centre in Kempsey in October 2016 and work is now taking place to upgrade facilities across the site.

The charity says the need for these new facilities is greater than ever.

Spokesperson Claire Wood said: “We are currently seeing unprecedented levels of abandoned and unwanted animals and there is a huge need for rescue space for dogs as well as cats and small animals.

“We have relied upon private boarding facilities and foster homes to house rescued dogs in the past but the facilities we previously used are unfortunately no longer available to us, which means that building our kennels is now an even bigger priority.”

Worcester News: The first phase of the project is already well underwayThe first phase of the project is already well underway

The first phase of the build, which included a new reception, veterinary room and dog grooming facility began in August and it is hoped this will be complete by April 2022.

At this time, the local RSPCA branch hope to have raised enough money to commence work on a new 18-dog kennel, however they are still someway short of that target.

Ms Woods added that once this kennel is up and running, it will help to the charity rescue and rehabilitate as many as 180 dogs each year.

In one final push of the year the charity is hosting a Christmas Fayre, this Saturday, November 27.

From 11am to 3pm, guests are invited to come to The Holdings where a wide variety of Christmas gifts will be on sale.

There will also be refreshments, a tombola and free sweet bags for children.

It is hoped the event will raise awareness of the branches ‘Buy a Brick For Christmas’ campaign to support the new kennel block.

Ms Woods added: “This will be our final fundraising event of the year and raising money to help us achieve our goal is more important than ever.

“There is a desperate need for more dog rescue spaces in the Worcestershire area and we are determined to make this happen but we need the help, support and generosity of the public to ensure that it does!

More information can be found at www.visufund.com/The-Holdings-dog-kennel or www.justgiving.com/campaign/kennel-block-build-appeal.

A £5 donation can also be made by texting BRIC to 70085.