DESPITE a desperate need for more space, plans by Hereford Cats' Protection Shelter to buy two purpose-built wooden pens have been blocked by Cats Protection headquarters because they do not suit the rest of the building.

"There are stressed cats in desperate need of space now," say the Friends of the Hereford CP Shelter.

"The cats at the shelter are in need of some family-size pens. We are able to buy two purpose-build wooden pens but headquarters has blocked it. They will not even approve them as temporary.

"Headquarters is to expand in the future, but there are other shelters worse off than ours, especially in the inner cities.

"But Hereford cats are in need now, so we are asking everyone to help to raise the £10,000 needed to buy new, approved pens.

"We know this sounds a lot, but it's an achievable target."

They are asking people to support fund-raising events, organise a coffee morning or similar event, or ask for a collection box. A Mouse Racing evening is lined up at Hereford Rowing Club on June 10 at 7.30pm, with free parking, a ploughman's supper and a bar.

Mice raising money for cats? Well, it's RSPCA approved and should be fun. Tickets, £5 including food, are available from Cat Flap, the CP shop in Commercial Road, from the shelter at Allensmore, or on 01432 277543.

A further fund-raiser is a bazaar at St Peter's Church Hall on July 16.

The shelter at Allensmore is open seven days a week from 11am to 3pm.