FIVE years after he opened the Cats Protection homing centre at Ferndown, town crier Mike Andrews had something else to shout about.

He was invited to open a new charity shop at Culliford Crescent, Canford Heath, Poole to help fund the vital work of the centre.

“He opened the homing centre for us a few years ago so we thought it would be nice if he opened the shop as well,” said shop manager Sara Stewart.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and helps around 200,000 cats and kittens every year through its network of more than 250 volunteer-run branches, 29 adoption centres and two homing centre.

At the homing centre on the Ferndown Industrial Estate there are 24 pens of cats and kittens looking for a good home.

“We have opened to help fund the Cats Protection homing centre at Ferndown, that’s our main reason,” said Sara. The homing centre is open every day except Thursday, from 12-4pm.

Along with her deputy Carol Robinson and a team of volunteers, they will open the shop, opposite Asda, from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

“If anyone wants to become a volunteer, pop into the shop or call us on 01202 696166,” said Sara.

The shop is stocked with a variety of clothes, bric-a-brac, a large children’s section, media and a big book store at the rear.

“Come along and support the cats,” said Sara. “Or like our Facebook page and have a look at what we are doing.”