AN American couple has been so inspired by the work of a County Durham animal charity they have made an unusual donation to boost its coffers.

Shildon-based Cats R Us has been donated two limited edition prints which it will auction to raise funds towards rehoming abandoned cats and kittens.

Cat lover Gilda Oberle, from Dayton, Ohio, first learnt of the charity when she read about it on the internet three years ago and has followed it online ever since.

In a bid to help from afar she sent some Native American pictures by her husband, artist James Oberle, in the post to charity founder Marion Maychell.

Mr Oberle’s artwork has been shown and sold across America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Mrs Maychell said: “It is always nice to get messages of support and meet people of a similar mindset, either in person or as part of the online community.

“I thought it was lovely when our friend Gilda said she was doing this and when they arrived in the post I thought they were amazing, the pictures are stunning.

“We have about 25 cats and kittens currently in need of a permanent home and hope to raise money towards neutering, vet bills or food with the auction.”

Bids start for each picture at £45 and can be made via the charity’s Facebook page, email catwomanmaz@gmail.com or call 07980-864393.

Alternatively bids can be made by post or in person to the Cats R Us welfare hub, Unit 10D Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, Shildon, DL4 2RA.

The auction will close on Monday, December 1.