THE Bromsgrove branch of an animal charity are receiving regular visits from rugby stars as part of a new partnership.

Members of the Worcester Warriors rugby team James Percival, Matt Cox and Mike Daniels dropped in on the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Catshill on Monday, (October 20).

Members of the team enjoyed seeing the kittens and dogs, and also helped clean the kennels out and deliver the pets their breakfast.

Players will be visiting the centre every fortnight to help pets as part of their support of Blue Cross’ £1.9m fundraising appeal, to rebuild the current site.

Samantha Homer, animal welfare assistant at the Wildmoor Lane-based centre, said: “We really appreciate the commitment and hard work of all of our volunteers and the added support from the Warriors is amazing.

"We are so grateful that they have taken time out of their busy training schedule to help us care for the pets – we think both the players and the pets really enjoyed it.”

James Percival said: “The club supports a number of charities and community programmes every season and we have a lot of animal lovers in the squad so the Blue Cross is a perfect charity for us to work with.

"We grafted hard when we were at the centre and made sure all the important jobs were done to take some of the pressure off the other staff and volunteers.

"As rugby players we are often labelled as big and physical but I’m sure people will be able to see another side to us when we’re looking after these pets.”

The centre’s rebuild is due to start later this year and the new facilities include a special admissions area, an isolation unit for poorly pets, a veterinary suite, puppy and kitten housing plus major refurbishment to the centre’s kennels.

To make a donation call the centre on 0300 777 1460, email bromsgrove@bluecross.org.uk, visit bluecross.org.uk, or join the Bromsgrove Blue Cross group on Facebook.