A CAT rescue centre could be forced to close through lack of funds.

Alex Winwood runs the Eldon Hope animal rescue centre from her back garden in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The registered charity is a scaled down version of a centre for cats and dogs Ms Winwood ran at Bishop Auckland for 20 years until ill health forced her to retire, last year.

There are eight pens in the centre and Alex has three cats staying with her.

She said: "People contact us when they have problems keeping their cats.

"Maybe an old person has died and there is nobody to look after it, or sometimes people get pets and could be allergic to them. We look after them until they're rehomed."

But she said: "Vets' bills are really high, but we believe that if we rescue an animal every assistance should be given to them.

"One cat we have at the moment is pretty poorly. She has had to have the majority of her teeth out, she has a severe ear infection and has suffered hair loss."

Ms Winwood is looking for donations or sponsorship to help her keep going. She can be contacted on (01325) 314371.

She would also like to hear from a woman she knows only as Dee from Catterick, who has been donating £10 a month for years, because her cheques are still being sent to Bishop Auckland.