ANIMAL worker Jeanette Ainscough is promoting a new RSPCA scheme to increase owners' chances of being reunited with lost pets - by telling the amazing tale of Sparky the cat.

Jeanette, manageress of the RSPCA centre at Altham, was reunited with her pet in February, four years after he went missing, thanks to a microchip which had been implanted under his skin with his address programmed into it.

Sparky was spotted outside the fitness centre at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, by keep-fit enthusiast Lynn Gardner.

Lynn, who is a volunteer with the Cats' Protection League, reported Sparky, and rescue workers were able to identify him because he had been microchipped.

Now the RSPCA's first ever national microchipping day will show owners across East Lancashire how they can permanently identify their cats and dogs to increase the chances of being reunited.

Sparky was originally rescued as a kitten seven years ago after being hit by a car and became the first cat in East Lancashire to have a microchip implanted. He lived in Jeanette's Accrington home, but ran away in 1995 after he learned how to open a window.

Jeanette said: "Sparky's identity was immediately recognised because he had been microchipped, which just goes to show how effective it is.

"It would be almost impossible to reunite pets with their owners if they had no form of identification."

The microchipping day next Thursday is one of several events being held during the fifth annual RSPCA Week.

After being painlessly microchipped, the pet's details are registered on the National Petlog Database - a voluntary registration scheme which is jointly run by the RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and the Kennel Club. If a microchipped animal is found by an animal rescue organisation, dog warden or vet, it can be scanned and quickly reunited with its owner.

RSPCA Week begins on Monday and includes the Society's annual cruelty statistics and the launch of visits to schools to bring animal welfare into the classroom. The RSPCA branch at Holker House Farm, Whinney Hill Road, Altham, will microchip pets on Thursday, April 22 from 10am to 4.30pm and 5.30pm to 8pm. It will cost £10 per pet.

The branch will hold an open day on Sunday April 25 from noon to 4.30pm.

There will be a dog show with eight classes, and entry will cost £1 per class. There will also be stalls, pony and trap rides and a bouncy castle.

Inspector Dave Anforth, who covers East Lancashire, will also be on hand to offer advice.

The branch has organised house to house collections in Blackburn and Accrington, and donations can also be made at the centre.

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