KITTENS like Walter have been helped by Blue Cross charity workers who have donated their time in local shops.

The charity which has outlets in Stow and Tewkesbury has revealed the hidden roles thousands of shop, admin and educational volunteers have played giving injured and abandoned pets a second chance.

To continue the good work the charity does, it is hoping more people will come forward to give an hour or two of their time.

The charity claims that an hour volunteering in one of its charity shops can raise the funds needed to give lifesaving vaccinations to a litter of eight abandoned puppies.

Helen Smith, Blue Cross shop manager in Stow, said: “It’s a lovely feeling to know that the work we do here in the shop helps Blue Cross to care for more sick and homeless pets. We’d love to expand our fantastic team of volunteers, so please do get in touch if you think you might be able to give up some of your time to help us out.”

The shops are currently recruiting for volunteer retail assistants to help on the shop floor, serve on the till and deal with customers and sorters to help organise stock. For those unable to get to the shop - almost 14 per cent of the charity’s volunteers work remotely providing education talks at schools, carrying out vital research from home, offering short term care for pets in their own home or supporting pet owners over the Pet Bereavement Support line.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Blue Cross can visit www.bluecross.org.uk/volunteering, email volunteering@bluecross.org.uk, or call 0300 790 9903