A Cross Roads-based cat welfare charity that was forced to close its doors due to a virus is hoping to re-open on October 12.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue announced last month it had been hit by an illness called feline pan-leukopenia virus. Vets ordered the lockdown to prevent it spreading, after the virus claimed the lives of several kittens at the charity’s centre.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue founder, Sara Atkinson, said: “The past month has been extremely challenging and a huge drain on our limited resources.

“However, we have taken an uncompromising approach in terms of making sure the virus was contained, eradicated and in making sure unaffected cats and kittens were kept safe.

“Following an extensive deep clean of the centre and a comprehensive vaccination programme, we can now begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.

“Although we have not yet opened the doors to the centre, we are hoping to do so on October 12, pending the all-clear from our vet.

“I must say a huge thank you to our supporters, volunteers and the many foster families who have kept our kittens safe and out of harm’s way in their homes.

“During the coming days, we will be trying to re-home kittens in foster care directly from there, and anyone who is interested in arranging a visit should call 01535 647184 to get in touch with us.”