HOW could you not want to give a present to little Casper the rescue kitten?Whereas many pets across the region were treated to lots of goodies on Christmas Day, the animals at the RSPCA animal centre in Mill Lane were not so lucky so a new appeal for late presents has been launched today.

HOW could you not want to give a present to little Casper the rescue kitten?

Whereas many pets across the region were treated to lots of goodies on Christmas Day, the animals at the RSPCA animal centre in Mill Lane were not so lucky so a new appeal for late presents has been launched today.

The centre's annual appeal for toys and activities for the cats and dogs over the festive period fell on deaf ears as the stocking remained empty.

Although some kind souls donated food for the animals, staff at the centre are now lacking equipment and games for the animals.

Becky Fox, assistant manager at the centre, said: “Last year we put the stocking out for people to donate things and it filled up three times over. We were able to throw all the old equipment out.

“However this year, there was not one present given.

“We don't normally advertise the appeal that much - we just put a few posters around the centre - but that seemed to have worked other years.

“We are really grateful to those who donated a lot of food for the animals and now would really appreciate anything else people can give us.”

The centre, which is self-funded, need more scratching posts for cats, toys for dogs and any outdoor and exercise equipment for the animals.

If you can help with presents or rehoming any of the animals, drop into the centre or call 01473 623280.

Are you a charity launching an appeal? Let us know. Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The Suffolk East & Ipswich branch of the RSPCA have been helping animals in the area since the late 1940s.

Until the early 1970s the centre was based in Blackhorse Lane in Ipswich. A generous legacy from Miss Butcher of Ipswich was used to buy the land and property at Mill Lane, Martlesham.

In September 1977 the animal centre opened as a sanctuary for abandoned and needy creatures.

In the 1990s the soundproofing of the kennels needed to be improved so the centre launched an appeal to raise £100,000 towards the cost. In 1998 the new kennels were opened.

Since the summer of 2005 there has been a lot of improvement work to the centre and the accommodation, including a new cattery and a spacious area created for the rabbits and ferrets.

To help with volunteering call the centre on the number above or e-mail martlesham.rspca@btconnect.com