AN animal rescue charity is moving 15 miles up the road to new premises it can finally call home.

Eden Animal Rescue has been renting its current centre at Hardendale, near Shap, for 10 years but is set to up sticks to Temple Sowerby where the organisation has bought a larger site.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the charity's move has been 'a long time coming' and will allow their lovingly cared for cats and dogs to stay in purpose-built facilities.

Charity chairman Caroline Holland said: "About 18 months ago we realised we were going to be in the position with money saved to purchase our own place.

"It's been great here but the weather is a nightmare in winter which means you need a 4x4, there's snow, the water pipes freeze and volunteers find it a long way to come.

"We didn't want to have to rent forever because it means every enhancement you make is money lost."

The rescue charity has now got its hands on seven acres of land at Moorlands Head Farm which will enable the team to do 'more than just house and feed the animals' when they relocate next year.

Existing barns and outbuildings will be extended to house the boarding kennels and cattery while manager Sarah Bean and warden Vicki Broughton are preparing to move into the two houses on site.

Dogs checked into the kennels will also reap the benefits of four exercise paddocks compared to the existing one.

The organisation is now campaigning to raise money to fund the extensive building work expected to cost between £200,000 and £300,000.

Eden Animal Rescue can accommodate up to 60 cats and 20 dogs at one time.

Dropped off or dumped animals are looked after by a volunteering team of around 30 in the hope they will soon be rehomed.

However, some including Jess the cat and Spot the dog have been in the rescuers' care for almost a year.

"While the animals are our primary focus, it's about people," said Tony Wolfe, trustee for the charity. "If a volunteer is unemployed and comes to us and say they've got a job it's a success for us. We also get young people and people with special needs."

It is hoped with a closer proximity to Penrith that more volunteers will sign up to help.

For more information and to donate contact Caroline on 07786 982179 and to volunteer call Sarah on 07850451450.