OKEHAMPTON and District Cats Protection is asking for the simplest of presents this Christmas — a donation of cat food.

Last year the branch saw a big increase in the number of cats being abandoned in the area, dealing with at least one incident a month. Demand for places in the branch's cat sanctuary also increased dramatically.

Pat Sawyer, co-ordinator of Okehampton and District Cats Protection, said: 'The last year or so has had a tremendous effect on all charities, including our own. This Christmas we have decided not to ask for cash — though donations will not be turned away if given — but to ask people for cat food donations.

'Many of us who are cat owners know that in every box of food you buy, there are two or three flavours dear puss will turn its nose up at. Therefore we have lots of unopened cat food taking up cupboard space and we can't think what to do with it.

'By donating it to us, we can then spend the money that we save on vet bills, equipment and towards new pens.

'Thank you and on behalf of all our furry friends, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy 2014.'

Cat food drop-off bins are located at Okeford Vets in Okehampton and Chagford, the Pet Superstore on School Way in Okehampton, Okehampton Mole Avon, North Park Vets in Okehampton, North Tawton and Hatherleigh, and the Rock Hen's Coop in the Arcade.

If you would like to contact Okehampton and District Cats Protection, call 0845 3712751 or

e-mail okehamptoncats @gmail.com