CAT lovers turned up in their hundreds this weekend for the official opening of Cats Protection’s Tyneside Adoption Centre.

Actor Stephen Tompkinson and X-Factor singer Sam Lavery were on hand to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony and officially open the centre, in Green Lane, Gateshead. They also were given a special tour by staff where they were introduced to two cats, Sam and Mr Tompkinson, that were named in their honour.

Visitors shared the celebrations with staff and volunteers. They were able to see the centre’s new facilities which included new outdoor heated cat pens and shop as well as meeting all the friendly felines waiting for new homes.

Tompkinson said: “It’s been such a great day. The centre is fantastic and it’s been great to meet all the staff and take a peek behind the scenes. The staff and volunteers here do so much to ensure the cats that come in have the very best care and the chance of a new home. Pets are such an important part of people’s lives and knowing that this centre is here helping this community is fabulous. I’m honoured to have been invited along and to have a little cat named after me too and hope that someone offers him a home very soon.”

Lavery said: “It was such a brilliant day - I’m totally wowed by the new centre. The pens are amazing, the cats are super cute and it’s wonderful to see the commitment that the centre staff and volunteers put into caring for their cats. There are so many unwanted cats and kittens in the North-East and it’s great to know that this new centre is helping to look after so many of them before they finally find a forever home.”

The centre is open from 11am - 3pm, Monday to Sunday (closed Tuesday).To adopt a cat please call the centre on 0191 653 1052 or email Tyneside@cats.org.uk