THE Northern Echo is launching a campaign to find homes for abandoned and stray cats in Darlington.

The scheme has been laucnhed following a warning that hundreds of stray cats might have to be culled if the town's feline population continue to soar.

RSPCA members around Darlington are caring for dozens of cats which have been found wandering the streets or handed in by local people.

But the society cannot care for the animals permanently, and is hoping that local people will come forward to give them homes.

Every week, The Northern Echo will publish photographs of cats which need homes, plus useful information about them.

Vanessa Robinson, auxiliary secretary for the Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire branch of the RSPCA, said: "When people see the cats I am sure they will love them. And, more importantly, they have all been neutered and vaccinated."

The first four cats which the RSPCA would like to re-home were found as kittens in Eastmount Road, Darlington.

They are Miner, Herbie, Elsie and Dolly. All are eight months old. Miner, a black and white tom, needs someone who understands cats, and would be better off in a home without young children.

The other three, all black and white, are described as lively cats when they are with each other, but they would settle down if they were an only pet.

If anyone would like to give a home to any of the cats, they can contact Mrs Robinson on (01325) 377878.