A WHITCHURCH pet rescue group is reopening its doors after raising more than £800.

Cat Assist Team Whitchurch (CATW) raised £817.57 with a bucket collection and will be using some of the money to provide accomodation for stray cats.

Last year the organisation had to close its doors temporarily due to rising costs and being overwhelmed by the number of felines needing its support.

CATW member Jodie Meredith said it was a relief to raise the funds and reopen.

She said: "It has been a massive help since we received it.

"The day after it came in, we learnt one of the cats we had rescued had got a bone disorder.She is lined up for a few operations.

"It has been a massive help, now that we have finally got it."

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Jodie added: "The main cost is vet fees. We are averaging onto £3,000 to £4,000 a month.

"We are always having to buy equipement and spend long hours out in fields and farms.

"It is really busy at the moment."

The cat rescue group intends to apply to become a registered charity and it hopes to be able to apply for grants.

Despite the latest cashflow, the role remains stressful for CATW volunteers.

Jodie said: "It is still as stressful as ever.

"We have one who is wating to have her tail amputated.

"The money situation is always in the back of your mind, but we have to leave there and plod on."

With spring coming soon, CATW volunteers are planning to put on more fundrasing events.

Jodie said: "We have got lots of events coming up.

"A fundraiser is going to be held this Sunday in Ruebens Bar. We are going to have a massive clothing jumble sale at the end of March.

"We are trying to get everything up and running fundraising wise.

"With the weather picking up we can start doing car boot sales for donations."

Jodie added: "We really appreciate the community.

"We are amazed at how people continue to support and held us in everything we do."