TRUSTEES of an animal rescue centre in South Lakeland are looking for a new home – after re-homing animals on the same site for more than 40 years.

Animal Rescue Cumbria – also known as The Wainwright Shelter – at Grayrigg, near Kendal, has identified an ‘urgent’ need to improve its accommodation and is looking to move.

Spokesman Kevin Whalley said: “The trustees have considered redevelopment of the site at Kapellan, but it was felt the small advantage to be gained was not justified by the cost involved.

“The site is restricted in space due to steep woodland on the east boundary, the busy A685 road and the close proximity of neighbours to the north and south.

“Our trustee board has therefore accepted that the charity should seek to acquire and develop new premises.”

Amanda Hall, Animal Rescue Cumbria’s general manager, said they were hoping to move ‘soon’ but it was difficult to find the right premises for the animals.

“Top of our Christmas wish list is a new property from which to run the shelter,” she said “We are under no illusions that finding the right property could be an uphill battle due to the limited number of rural premises marketed within the area.

“But we are struggling here and we have to constantly make a lot of adjustments which are not fair to the cats and dogs.

“We are striving to move forward and help more animals and make our charity more resilient so that we can continue to support pets and their owners.”

The charity has also announced that it has volunteering opportunities for anyone who may be interested in working at the shelter.

In 1974 the organisation recruited walking guide book writer Alfred Wainwright, and his wife Betty, and under their guidance Animal Rescue Cumbria was registered as a charity.

Alfred Wainwright donated royalties from the sale of his books to the charity but since his death the shelter has been completely dependent on legacies, donations and fundraising.