Haworth Cat Rescue is to change its name to reflect its expansion over the past few years.

The charity wants a name that demonstrates that it now covers 700 square miles across three counties.

The decision comes as the group, which has an animal sanctuary in Cross Roads, prepares to open its first charity shop.

The shop in Keighley, due to open this autumn, will bring much needed cash to fund the charity's activities.

Haworth Cat Rescue has taken in 309 cats and kittens so far this year and expects to exceed 600 for the whole year.

Cat Rescue boss Sara Atkinson said: “The increasing pressure has escalated food and medical bills.

“We have 125 cats in our care, of which more than 90 are three months old.”

Sara said that the coming months would be exciting and scary.

She said the charity's leaders had done a lot of soul-searching before deciding it needed to choose a new name not limited to a specific region.

She said this would increase the charity's chances of gaining funding from a wider range of sources, particularly its efforts to build a new centre.

She said: “The charity has earned respect and recognition so in many ways we wish we could keep the name we have.

“But as we have grown and extended the area we cover, our name has become a hindrance in many respects.

“The problem with the name ‘Haworth’ is that when we apply for funding or seek publicity too many organisations assume we are a tiny rescue operating only in the tiny village. We hope to announce the name shortly.”

Haworth Cat Rescue is also considering changing its logo, but pledges to keep ‘Haworth Cat’ as its mascot. Anyone who can donate saleable items for the charity shop should contact (01535) 647184 or mail@ haworthcatrescue.org.