A PET charity which helps find new homes for cats, rabbits and dogs has officially opened its first centre in Wales.

Newport mayor David Atwell and Newport Gwent Dragons players officially opened the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Willenhall Street yesterday.

Since opening its doors in November, the Newport unit has rehomed 13 pets and helped 38 altogether.

Among them was lurcher Audrey – the first dog to be rehomed when her new owner drove from Southampton to collect her after seeing her online.

Hannah Wiltshire, rehoming manager at the Blue Cross in Newport, said: “Since opening we have helped many more pets like Audrey to find loving new homes and also helped out pet owners with much-needed advice.

“It’s great to be officially celebrating our arrival here in Newport and we’re looking forward to being able to help many more homeless pets in the future.”

The unit, which also offers pet advice and free microchipping, aims to help around 700 pets in need every year and already has a team of more than 70 volunteers.

As well as working closely with other rescues to take in homeless dogs, the Newport unit also runs the Home Direct scheme, helping people in the area find new homes for their pets without them having to come into the unfamiliar surroundings of kennels.

The mayor, councillor David Atwell, said: “We’re here today because we’re animal lovers and thought the Blue Cross unit was such a fantastic addition to Newport.

“The unit is such an innovative idea and we wish it every success for the future.”

The Blue Cross Newport rehoming and advice unit was funded by a legacy left to the charity by Welsh animal lover Frances Mary Davies when she passed away in 2013, at the age of 93.

Later this month, Blue Cross will be announcing a new veterinary partnership with the Summerdale Veterinary Centre in Cwmbran, to offer treatment to pets whose owners are on means-tested benefits.

Residents in postcodes areas NP 44, 18, 19, 20 and 10 can ring 01633877055.

To find out more about the work of Blue Cross visit bluecross.org.uk