A housing estate which has been a no-go area for rescue cats could this week hear if it has had a reprieve.

RSPCA officers will be in Stanhope estate in Ashford today and tomorrow to find out if it is now safe for cats to be re-homed there.

The animal charity has had a ban on allowing rescue cats to go to homes in Stanhope for the past two years as welfare officers say cat diseases and air gun attacks are rife.

It comes after Rosemary Horton, who lives in Stanhope, was told she could not have another cat despite already having one and having a large house with two gardens.

The RSPCA says it had planned the community action week before the cat-ban story.

The event is being held in the Stanhope Parish Hall today and tomorrow.

Staff and volunteers will be offering cat neutering, flea and worm treatments and microchipping for both cats and dogs.

RSPCA inspector Kelli Ellison said: "We will also be offering pet care and welfare advice to animal owners on the estate.

“We hope that as many people as possible come along and take advantage of the help on offer."