CATS First Rescue has launched an appeal for donations as they struggle to cover rising vet bills.

The volunteer-run organisation covering Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye and Hereford relies entirely on donations to give the cats a fresh start in life, but it is struggling to meet its vets’ bills.

A spokesperson said: "We’ve recently taken in some very ill cats we couldn’t turn away – including a mum cat who needed a C-section, over 10 cats with cat flu that developed into conjunctivitis and respiratory problems, cats with FIV, cats with skin conditions, and elderly cats with a lot of age-related issues, and it’s put us in a difficult financial position.”

Members of the public can donate by searching cats first rescue at gofundme.com.