OKEHAMPTON and District Cats Protection is launching a free neutering scheme for the month of April in an effort to reduce the number of future strays.

Over recent years the charity has seen increased numbers in abandoned cats and this has put pressure on the availability of places in the branch's cat sanctuary.

The branch has organised the free neutering service for any cats during the month of April for those living in the EX20 postcode area.

Pat Sawyer, branch co-ordinator, said: 'We are aware that times are continuing to be hard and that people are not having their cats neutered due to the cost. When we have a large increase in unwanted animals this puts pressure on all the animal charities. It becomes more difficult for us to take them in, find them homes and they end up staying longer putting further strain on our limited resources.'

For further details call 01837 55409. Feel free to leave your name and number on the voicemail facility and someone will return your call as soon as possible. If you would like to offer a cat a home call 0845 371 2751.