TABBY cat Toyah needs a new home after being abandoned on a doorstep over Christmas in a box covered in festive wrapping paper.

The unwanted moggie survived her ordeal and is now being cared for by staff at the RSPCA's animal centre in Altham.

She was found on the doorstep of a flat in Padiham and the box she was left in still had a greetings tag attached.

Centre manager Janette Ainsclough said: "A member of the public brought her in after finding her outside his flat. The label was addressed to a person called Paul, but no one of that name lived there.

"The box was well wrapped and no air holes had been put in. Toyah could have suffered if someone had not found her in time."

"It could have been someone playing a prank or a genuine present. We are trying to find her a home. She is aged between one and two years old, and is very affectionate."

Another new arrival at the centre is a lop eared rabbit - named Billy - who was found during the Christmas Eve storm.

It is believed high winds might have blown his hutch over, allowing him to escape.

Billy has a cream coat with brown spots and centre staff are trying to track down the owner.

Janette added: "We have not yet had many animals handed in yet which were given as Christmas presents.

That usually happens in about six months when people start getting bored with them."

Anyone wanting to offer a home to Toyah should contact the centre on 01254 231118.

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