VOLUNTEERS from the Fenland branch of Cats Protection have urged people to support their Christmas fundraiser as the charity’s resources “stretch to breaking point”.

The animal charity rescues stray and homeless cats from across Fenland and Cambridgeshire, paying vets bills and finding foster homes.

They hold their Christmas Fair in the Free Church, St Ives, on Saturday and volunteers are pleading for support to help keep the branch running.

Co-ordinator Carol Allan said: “This year, the branch is feeling the bite of the recession more than ever.

“Our resources are stretched almost to breaking point, but the number of cats relying on us has not diminished.

“Our income has yet again been less than our outgoings, but we have still had to do our utmost for the cats in our care.

“The Christmas fair is our final event of the year, but cats still need to be fed and kept warm and healthy over the Christmas period, and while this is usually a struggle, it is vital that we keep going.”

The charity run a telephone advice line and give talks on cat care to schools and groups. Their pens are “full to bursting” with cats and kittens waiting to be rehomed.

The Christmas Fair takes place from 10am-3pm on Saturday, with a host of stalls set to attend. There will be a raffle, with prizes including a vineyard tour, an introductory flying lesson and some festive hampers.