PEOPLE are beginning to heed a warning that hundreds of stray cats might have to be culled if Darlington's feline population continues to soar.

It was revealed last week that the town's cat population is growing too fast because cat owners are failing to get their pets neutered.

The RSPCA is offering a free or low-cost neutering service in Darlington, but the take-up has been poor.

But after a report on the problem in The Northern Echo dozens of people have come forward to use the service.

Vanessa Robinson, auxiliary secretary for the Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire branch of the RSPCA, said: "The survey we conducted before the story went in The Northern Echo was poor. But after people read about the problem, we received lots of telephone calls and we are starting the neutering this week."

It costs £41 to neuter a female cat and £26 for a male. Microchipping costs between £18 and £25.

People in Skerne Park, where the stray cat problem is worst, are being offered a free service, while people in other parts of the town will be offered a reduced rate.

For details contact Mrs Robinson on (01325) 377395, or Maggie Sanders on (01325) 377878.