A RESCUE centre for cats and dogs is calling for urgent support this Christmas to help them continue their vital work.

Gloucestershire-based cat and dog rescue centre, Teckels, is urgently appealing for help to keep the animal welfare centre going as it steps into a new year of funding uncertainty.

The rescue and rehoming centre is a charitable organisation which cares for and rehabilitates homeless cats and dogs and finds them forever homes.

Some of these animals have had a difficult past during which they may have been abused, neglected or abandoned, and others have previously had owners who are sadly no longer in a position to look after them.

Teckels opened in 2003 and each year they re-home over 250 cats and 150 dogs.

The charity has held the stray dog contract for Stroud District Council for more than 15 years, and they also care for a number of long-term residents who have been with them for several years, one of which is a dog named Roxy who arrived at Teckels nearly 8 years ago and, thanks to the charity, finally got adopted on 30th November this year.

But, with funding now hanging in the balance, being able to help dogs like Roxy may prove more difficult.

Sarah Fortey, assistant manager at Teckels, said: “We are struggling to cover costs.”

“We are very uncertain about our future and so are needing help continue the charity into 2019.”

“We couldn't do any of our rescue work without the generosity of our amazing sponsors, donors and volunteers.”

“But now we are appealing for people to really dig deep and help save the rescue from closure.”

“With less bequests this year than hoped, and fewer monetary donations, it’s looks unlikely that we will be able to survive the coming year ahead.”

"We are desperately asking for your support so that we can continue to offer these animals a safe place to stay and to help them find a happy home."

For more information and to donate to the rescue centre, visit bit.ly/2BNEatD