ANIMAL lovers are being offered the purrfect opportunity to do their bit for National Pet Week.

The week is aimed at highlighting the benefits of having a family pet.

Staff at the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara), hope it will inspire people to foster a cat.

While the charity offers temporary homes for all types of unwanted pets, it is short of volunteers to look after cats and kittens.

As one of its 'last resorts', Julie Bell, of The Ings, Redcar, is looking after two-year-old Snowy. She said: "There wasn't anywhere else for Snowy to go. People will quite often foster dogs, but not so much cats."

Despite the hard work involved, Ms Bell said she is happy to volunteer. "It's worth it to see them go to a good home," she said.

Anyone who is interested in fostering a cat should contact Sara on (01287) 201005. All expenses, including food and vets bills will be paid