AN ANIMAL loving mum has set up a new website to help older animals be rehomed quicker.

Yvonne Rigby, 58, a volunteer dog walker at the RSPCA Preston Animal Centre, Longridge Road, Ribbleton, had the idea for the internet site to show the animals housed at the centre.

The site is designed by daughter, Lesley Shepherd, a catering assistant at Leyland's Runshaw College. It gives a brief history of the homeless dogs, cats and small animals with their picture.

Mrs Rigby, of St James Gardens, Leyland, said: "The older animals aren't as popular, which is such a shame because they are so full of energy.

"I get to know their characters because I take them walking every week and you see how they change and recover once they've been in the centre."

Rooney, a six year-old mongrel, was found at the side of his owner who had died and seven-year-old, Neville, a lurcher cross, was put in a kennel while his owners went on holiday, but never collected.

Mrs Rigby, who has eight dogs, said: "I hear so many stories about them but now I go out every week with Neville and Rooney and they're really happy.

"They're not the most handsome of dogs and they don't have the same appeal as puppies but hopefully people will log on and see just how lovely they are and come down and have a look."

The website, launched two weeks ago, was a gift to the centre that finds homes for 600 dogs, 350 cats and 125 small animals every year.

Gail Platt, deputy manager at RSPCA Preston, said: "It's an absolutely brilliant idea. We're confident the website will help to cut down on the amount of time dogs have to spend with us."

Log onto www.rspca-preston.co.uk to see the animals currently housed at the shelter.