PET owners in east Durham can get their animals neutered at a reduced price in an RSPCA initiative.

The charity's Durham, Hartlepool and district branch has teamed up with a Hartlepool vets to offer owners who receive benefits a cut-price neutering service for their pets.

Alan Wolinski, RSPCA regional manager for the North-East, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to get their animals neutered at a reduced rate.

"If everyone with an unneutered cat or dog made a New Year's resolution to take part, the volume of unwanted litters that RSPCA inspectors and branches have to deal with would plummet."

The branch is charging £5 for a cat and £10 for a dog to be neutered.

For more details contact (01429) 272435.

The scheme is open to pet owners living in the Peterlee, Wingate, Easington, Haswell and Thornley areas.