STAFF at the RSPCA's East Lancashire centre in Altham are expecting a busy New Year as they work to re-house animals left homeless after Christmas.

Last year the East Lancashire branch found more than 800 animals a new home, making it one of the country's busiest centres.

It currently houses more than 100 animals that were handed in before Christmas that now need a new home. Thankfully, the New Year also represents the centre's busiest re-homing period, with dozens of potential new owners expected to come forward offering homes.

Branch manager Jeanette Ainscough said: "We don't usually get that many dogs until later in the New Year when the novelty has worn off.

"However, we still have around 50 dogs and 45 cats that were handed in before Christmas that need homes. Hopefully people will offer them homes early in the New Year."

Jeanette has selected 12 strays that the centre hopes to find homes for in the New Year:

l Tara is a German Shepherd aged five and a half and is looking for a home without other children or animals. Tara is fully vaccinated.

l Ruby, a four-year-old German Shepherd, is a stray and would be perfect for a family with other dogs but no cats or children.

l Stella is a seven-and-a-half year old dog who looks younger than her age and is ideal for being the only pet in a family.

l Kyzer, is a spotted cross breed dog and is suitable for homes with other dogs or cats or for families with children over five years old. He is fully vaccinated and neutered.

l Bonzo is a two-year-old cat who would be perfect for people without other animals or children.

l Meg came into the centre after an operation to remove her tail and would be ideal for someone living on a farm or owning an allotment.

l Boo was one of four kittens born in the wild who were brought into the centre. Boo is nervous, but would love a home with other cats but no dogs or children.

l Gizmo is a timid but affectionate cat, described by staff at the centre as 'a real sweetheart'. Gizmo would love a loving home.

l Custard and Blueberry are two budgies named after the colour of their feathers. They are live in the same cage and are looking for a home together.

l Hazel was one of seven rabbits brought in together in June last year. The all-grey rabbit likes to be handled and desperately needs a home.

l Suki is a sweet female ferret who has been handled by workers at the centre. She is still young and would make a great pet for a loving home.

l Boris and Icarus are two one-year-old hooded rats who have been left at the centre and would make good family pets.

Anyone who thinks they could give a home to of these animals is asked to ring the RSPCA's East Lancashire Centre in Altham on 01254 231118.

The sanctuary will only start rehousing animals after January 4.