A BROMSGROVE-based animal adoption centre is launching a new appeal with a pet rehoming target set.

Blue Cross animal adoption centre, based in Wildmoor Lane, Catshill, is launching the appeal that has set the goal of helping to rehome one pet an hour by the end of 2015.

More than 1,700 pets were helped at the Bromsgrove centre, while 35,000 pets were helped across the country.

The appeal is being fronted by singer and presenter Stacey Solomon, calling on the public to show their support to ensure pets facing an uncertain future are helped.

People can show their support on social media by sharing a photo of pets with owners giving each other a paw bump, and tweeting #suppawt. Anyone who wants to make a donation can text SUPPAWT to 70907 and donate £5.

The new appeal is launching at the same time a new campaign advert has been launched. It aims to raise awareness of Blue Cross and encourage people to support the vital work the charity does for sick, injured and homeless pets.

Stacey said: “I am so pleased to be helping highlight Blue Cross’ #suppawt appeal and goal, as this is a cause very close to my heart.

“I’ve been lucky enough to see behind the scenes of one of its rehoming centres where pets who had, for various reasons, found themselves without a loving home - I wanted to take them all home with me."

Neil Edwards, Bromsgrove Blue Cross' rehoming centre manager, said: “Sadly, we are taking in more and more pets at Blue Cross because they have been abandoned or their owners can no longer look after them.

"Last year we helped over 8,000 pets through our rehoming centres nationwide, so this September we are focussing our efforts on spreading the message for pets in need. We are really pleased that Stacey is helping us and, with her assistance and the public’s support, we can ensure our doors are always open to pets that need us."

For more details call the centre on 0300 777 1460, or visit bluecross.org.uk.