Haworth Cat Rescue has launched a £2 million appeal to build a new shelter.

The move is designed to cope with the huge number of unwanted cats and kittens.

The building would cater for up to 150 animals and include in-house veterinary care and a purpose-built office for volunteers.

The charity - which takes in cats from an area stretching from Bradford to Hebden Bridge and Skipton - said it was having to reject pleas for help because of restricted space.

Committee member Jane Foers said: "Cats and kittens are brought to the shelter for a variety of reasons - owners may have died or gone into residential accommodation, or the cat may have become lost.

"Sometimes owners lose their job and cannot afford to keep their cat or, sadly, all too often, owners may lose interest after the cat has lost its kittenish appeal or may simply dump the cat to avoid paying for suitable accommodation while they are on holiday.

"Currently, we are unable to meet every request for help and we hope that the construction of a much larger shelter will enable us to better meet the demand for assistance with unwanted cats."

Haworth Cat Rescue, which was formed in 1992, looks after and re-homes around 350 cats and kittens every year.

The charity is appealing to the public and local businesses to support its fundraising quest. And it would welcome advice about the design and planning of the shelter.

For further information contact Haworth Cat Rescue on 01535 647184. Fundraising ideas and details of how people can donate will soon be found on haworthcatrescue.org.