Managers at a cat shelter in Derbyshire say they are overwhelmed by the response they have had to an appeal for new owners.

Just before Christmas the shelter was struggling to cope with 313 cats, but, in the last month they have managed to find homes for more than 160.

The colour of the cats seems to have played a big part in finding them homes.

The Cats Protection League in Derby has seen a noticeable preference in prospective owners towards cats with ginger, tabby or tortoiseshell coats.

Some felines need extra help finding a home

Commenting on the surge in cat adoptions, Pauline Roper, manager at the Derby shelter said: "We have never ever had more than five empty pens.

"So we are in a really good position to help all the stray cats that are out there now."

But, she does fear cats with black and black and white coats might lose out.

"Black and black and white cats and kittens have the most fantastic natures, but, when it comes to homing they are sadly overlooked.

"Beauty is only fur deep. Black cats have such character.

"Surely it is a pet's personality that is most important."