FIND space in your heart and homes for needy animals — is the message from staff at Bury and Oldham’s RSPCA centre.

The branch is facing unprecedented numbers of unwanted cats and dogs this winter and is desperate for the public’s help.

One puppy in search of a family is three-month-old mastiff-cross puppy Nika, whose siblings Darwin, Cloud, Narla and Dudley have already been reserved by members of the public Friendly, energetic and loving Nika needs an owner who is experienced with her breed as she will grow into a large dog and will need training to ensure she is happy and confident.

There are also many cats needing homes, including four-month-old tabby kitten Maddison.

Full of character, Maddison loves to run around chasing things and her favourite toy is a ribbon on a stick. She needs someone with lots of patience to give her attention and teach her right from wrong.

Five-year-old Majestic is a black-and-white moggy who loves cuddles and rolling around in catnip. He would suit most households and enjoys nothing more than curling up on a warm lap.

Tinkerbell and Misty are three-year-old domestic cats who would suit households with older children as neither like being handled for long periods of time.

Bubble, aged four and Grace, aged three were transferred to the centre together and are very close.

Staff are trying hard to find these two a forever home together, and they would suit a family with children aged 10 or over.

Titon and Zion are five-month-old kittens who were abandoned in Oldham with their sister, who has recently been rehomed.

As these lovely-natured and playful but nervous kittens have not had the best start in life, staff are desperate to find them a home before Christmas.

Five-month-old kittens Heidi and Elliot are also looking for a home together because they love to sleep snuggled up next to each other.

While they can be a little nervous of new surroundings once they are used to their environment they settle quickly.

As well as long-term companions, the centre is keen to find short-term foster families to give animals a respite from life in the kennels and catteries and a friendlier environment to spend time in.

Anyone interested in adopting an animal can contact centre manager Lisa Walsh on 0161 624 4725 extension 202; go to the centre in Rhodes Bank, Mumps, Oldham; or visit rspca-buryoldham.org.uk