SHOPPERS will have a bigger opportunity to help animals when a new RSPCA charity shop opens in Durham today.

The shop, in High Street, Langley Moor, will replace the RSPCA Durham and District branch's shop in the same road.

The shop is twice the size of the old premises and the additional income will be ploughed into extra animal welfare work.

Branch chairman Audrey Parkinson said: "We want to be able to carry our more animal welfare work by taking in more animals from RSPCA inspectors.

"We will also be helping members of the public by re-homing more animals and by continuing to help owners on low incomes, as well as promoting the neutering of animals.

"We wish to thank everybody who has supported us at our old location, and we hope to welcome both old and new customers when we open our new shop on Monday."

The RSPCA was granted planning permission last month to build Felledge Animal Centre, in Chester Moor.

The animal centre and local branches will work closely together to benefit needy animals.

The animal centre will include 38 kennels, 80 cat pens, and training and education rooms and will be built on land already owned by the RSPCA.

Maggie Eden, general manager of the RSPCA's North-East equine centre, will be in charge of Felledge Animal Centre.