THE Cats Protection League is appealing to animal lovers after its mobile neutering unit and the car that tows it were damaged in an accident.

The accident happened near Blackburn when the driver of the unit had to brake suddenly and the tow-bar buckled under pressure.

The Cats Protection League were unable to claim their full insurance because of the nature of the incident and now they have no vehicle to continue their work.

A spokesman for the charity said: "We are determined to get it back on the road, but need £5,000 towards the cost of a suitable new vehicle before we can do it."

The unit is run by volunteers from the Preston branch of Cats Protection and has been responsible for neutering more than 1,000 cats.

Now it is left without a vehicle to tow it, the number of unwanted cats is in danger of increasing again.

Anyone who can lend a helping hand will be welcomed according to branch co-ordinator Shirley Chisnall.

And, for example any firm or individual who could supply a towing vehicle and driver for the two-ton trailer every Friday is urged to get in touch.

Shirley said: "We've been doing really well locally in reducing the numbers of unwanted litters but are very worried that without the neutering unit, we will once again have dozens of kittens reported to us every week."

Businesses or individuals who can help should contact Cats Protection on 01772 436885.