A new facility which will allow an animal sanctuary to care for more cats has been officially opened by Bury celebrity Gemma Atkinson.

The Hits Radio presenter opened the new Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary cattery pens which allows the Edenfield sanctuary to help 100 extra cats.

Gemma is president of Bleakholt and attended the opening with her daughter Mia, showing her one of the kittens which will make use of the cattery before being rehomed.

She said: “I had a wonderful day at Bleakholt. I was honoured to open our newly refurbished cattery so now our rescue kitties have a lovely place with us until they find their forever homes.”

The redevelopment cost £75,000.

Sanctuary manager Karen Weed said: “The new cattery pens will be crucial in enabling the charity to help even more cats that have no-one. 

“We are so pleased with them as they are a great size, allow the cats lots of stimulation but also places to hide if still feeling nervous. 

“We are so grateful to The Pets at Home Foundation, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and The Bolton Guild J A & F Smith Animal Charity Fund for providing grants to fund the project.

“We would also like to say a huge thanks to our wonderful President Gemma Atkinson for opening the new pens.”