THE RSPCA centre at Block Fen is preparing to host a special Halloween party to help raise dwindling levels of donations.

The centre, near March, cares for hundreds of animals and costs more than �1,400 a day to run. It is currently full, with cats doubled up in some cages and members of staff taking animals home rather than turn them away.

The Halloween fundraiser, which will be held this weekend (October 30 & 31), will have tombolas, craft and food stalls, a bouncy castle, a tarot card reader and, on Sunday only, a face painter.

Emma Smith, supervisor at the centre, said: “There’s not time to put an appeal out so we hope the event can give us a real boost. We have noticed a dramatic decrease in donations and donated food.

“These animals can’t fend for themselves or talk for themselves so we are their voice. We help them find a new home.”

The Staff - half of which are volunteers - have prepared games for each section of the centre, and the event will run from 11am-3:30pm on both days.

All money raised will go towards the centre, which provides food, medical care, micro-chipping and neutering for hundreds of stray, neglected and abandoned animals.

“We are aware that people haven’t got too much money to spare at the moment but even if it’s just a tin of food it helps. Simple donations such as newspapers, which we use as bedding, and recyclables are also fantastic.

“We have seen everything here. We see so many different cases of neglect and other welfare issues. These animals are the lucky ones. We know they are going to be treated and we know that they are going to be re-homed.

“It is amazing to see those that come in with injuries and problems that we have rehabilitated and got to a new home. That is a very rewarding experience it makes it all worthwhile.”