AN ANIMAL-lover is celebrating his birthday by putting on a gig in aid of Animal Care.

Stefan Holden, of Lancaster, is celebrating his 34th birthday at the Yorkshire House, Lancaster.

And he has a string of bands to take to the stage to help raise cash for abandoned and stray cats and dogs.

Says Stefan: "I am doing it because I love animals, I have two cats of my own, one of which I got from the street.

"I thought I would do this on my birthday because I put on the odd gig at the Yorkshire House and I didn't think it was fair to charge people to get into my birthday party. All the bands were kind enough to say they would play for nothing."

The gig on March 4 will see Eastfield, Sick56, Lowlife UK and Confrontation play from 7pm until 11pm. Music prizes will be up for grabs in a raffle and admission is £2.