SUFFOLK'S branch of the RSPCA is appealing for more volunteers to help its work to continue and flourish.The branch depends greatly on the generosity of the public for the time and financial support given.

SUFFOLK'S branch of the RSPCA is appealing for more volunteers to help its work to continue and flourish.

The branch depends greatly on the generosity of the public for the time and financial support given.

Continued help and support keeps the animal home at Martlesham and the clinic in St George's Street, Ipswich, running, said Patricia Monk, the organisation's collections organiser for Suffolk East and Ipswich.

The clinic provides veterinary treatment on a donation scheme for the unemployed and those on low incomes.

Both home and clinic serve all towns and villages within the branch boundaries of Aldeburgh, Eye, Hadleigh, the Shotley Peninsular and Felixstowe.

Door to door house cash collections are one of the greatest sources of revenue and 2002 brought splendid results, boxes yielding over £1,000 more than in 2001 in spite of vast areas not having seen a collector.

Voluntary collectors are needed everywhere, but mostly in Stowmarket, Woodbridge, Hadleigh and the Shotley Peninsular, said Mrs Monk.

She appealed for anyone over the age of 16 who is willing to help to telephone 01394 284605 or put their name down at the Ipswich RSPCA shop or clinic, both in St George's Street.

"Your time, however little, is gold to the Martlesham Home, which gives care and comfort to an ever increasing assortment of animals and birds when found abandoned, ill treated, too large, or too expensive. There is the need for constant upkeep, improvement and expansions, because no creature is ever put to sleep at Martlesham Home unless terminally ill or proven of unsound temperament," she explained.

Irrespective of age, all animals are eventually found the right caring home.

At present, she said, there is a necessity to consider a large cattery isolation block and proper accommodation for small mammals, but such improvements will depend on charity.

Never have collectors been more needed, said Patricia Monk, thanking all those who continue their generous support with both money and time.

The amounts collected last year were: Bucklesham, Kirton, Levington, Nacton, Newbourne, the Trimleys, Walton, Felixstowe, £5,714.81; Capel St Mary, Copdock, Kesgrave, Thorndon, Ipswich, £3,771.22. Needham Market and Stowmarket, £465.05; Hadleigh, Layham and district, £158.25; old Martlesham and Martlesham village, £671.30; Bruisyard and Framlingham, district, £387.97; Snape and Aldeburgh district, £253.29; Burgh, Grundisburgh, Orford, Otley, Pettistree, Rendlesham, Wickham Market, Woodbridge district, £740.93.