The rebuild of a cat adoption centre in Dereham has been launched.

Eastern Daily Press: Mayor of Dereham Hilary Bushell ready to take the first dig. Photo: Cats ProtectionMayor of Dereham Hilary Bushell ready to take the first dig. Photo: Cats Protection (Image: Cats Protection)

The Mayor of Dereham, Hilary Bushell kicked off the launch of the Cats Protection's Dereham Adoption Centre by taking the 'first dig' and touring the centre.

The Mayor visited the charity's Norfolk centre were she was able to see the current operations, hear about the site plans, meet some of the cats awaiting homes and formally begun the building work.

The building work will be carried out by MJS Projects who are responsible for the development.

The refurbishment will have new cat pens, improved working areas, better accessibility and improve parking.

Currently the centre homes an average of 464 cats per year and is expected to be able to home at least 10pc more cats.

The centre is hoping to set the standard for cat-care excellence in Norfolk once re-built.

Mayor Bushell, said: 'As a cat lover who has owned much-loved cats of all sorts over the years, I was delighted to be invited to officially start the work at Cats Protection's Adoption Centre in Dereham.

'I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of the existing centre where I not only got to hear about the range of cat care which takes place, but also got to meet beautiful cat Tabatha, one of the current residents and hear about the plans for the centre.

'If anyone would like to help the centre raise funds to buy much-needed equipment for the cats' pens while they await their forever homes, I would encourage them to visit the centre's JustGiving page and give whatever they feel they can afford. It's a fantastic centre and I look forward to watching the new space take shape and many more cats finding loving owners.'

Cats Protection rely solely on the kind donations of the public. Every penny donated will go towards the extensive costs associated with this project.

They are hoping to raise £5,000.

To help Dereham Adoption Centre finish their new cat pens, cat-lovers wishing to make a donation can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cats-protection-dereham-ac2