THESE artists impressions provide a first glimpse of a new animal rescue centre near Worcester as work begins in earnest on the project.

The Holdings at Kempsey, near Worcester will be transformed into an Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre which the RSPCA hopes will transform the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected animals.

The RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch has already bought the five acre site.

The branch, which celebrated 100 years of animal welfare in 2011, aims to continue for another 100 years.

To mark the milestone the Centenary Appeal was launched to raise £1 million to build the animal centre.

Branch trustee Geraldine Haynes said: "We have to raise all funding for the purchase and build from within our branch area, with no financial help for the project from RSPCA HQ.

"Our branch is a separate charity in its own right and has to be self financing.

"We are delighted to say that we have raised enough money for the first phase and work started this week on the groundworks."

It is hoped that the drainage for the site and foundations for the new buildings will be finished by the end of January, weather permitting.

She added: "We cover an very large area, and we take in any animal the RSPCA Inspectorate ask us to take in.

"We take in many difficult dogs, which are those most in need and we are seeing an increase in dogs coming into our care in very bad states of neglect.

"In addition we take in dogs where the owners have lost their house, marriage breakdowns or the owner has passed away. Most of the cats coming into our care are in need of veterinary treatment."

The branch spends every year between £150,000 to £180,000 on direct animal welfare and rehoming and that money also has to be raised by the branch from within the branch area.

There will be 20 dog kennels, 20 cat pens and 12 rabbit pods where animals can be cared for until new loving homes can be found.

The branch needs the public's help to continue with the second phase to build the reception building which will house the vets room, dog shower room, kitchen and 20 dog kennels.

Anyone who can support phase two can send a cheque made out to "RSPCA Worcester Branch" to 12 Sansome Place, Worcester WR1 1UA or donate via the branch website (www.rspca-worcester.co.uk/)

Alternatively there is a "Buy A Brick" appeal where people can buy bricks for themselves or in memory of a beloved family member or pet.

It is £3 a brick and can be purchased by cheque via the website as above or by texting BRIC24 £3/£6/£9 etc to 70070 to donate, for example BRIC24 £9.

A record will be kept at the centre, when open, of everyone who has been part of the "Buy A Brick" appeal.

Every penny donated will go to the building work.

For more information call Geraldine Haynes, branch trustee, on 01886 822083.