An animal rescue centre will celebrate its 50th birthday with a reopening party on Saturday.

Watford’s National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has been forced to close to the public for 18 months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the rescue centre’s staff continued looking after the animals in its care throughout the lockdowns, government rules meant visitors and volunteers were not allowed on-site.

Permission to reopen has come just in time for the NAWT to celebrate its 50th birthday and the local community is invited to join in the celebrations from 11am to 3pm on Saturday.

Centre manager Jackie de Friez said: “We will not just be celebrating our birthday but also the long-awaited reopening of our centre, the café and shops. There will be delicious homemade cakes to tempt you, stalls, games and fun for all the family.

"You’ll also be able to take a look at all our animals – squeaking guinea pigs, cute cats and loyal dogs - waiting to find their forever homes.”

Guests can park free of charge in the Mercure Hotel next door to the Tylers Way centre if they register their car at reception.

Dogs are welcome at the top of the site - although not at the bottom where the animal kennels are - and all money raised on the day will go to supporting the homeless animals in the NAWT’s care.

The NAWT in Watford has provided a vital rescue and rehoming community service for unwanted, homeless and abandoned animals without any support from the government or local authority for the past 50 years.

For further information on the NAWT Watford or to rehome an animal, visit https://www.nawt.org.uk/centres/hertfordshire, call 0208 950 0177 (option 2) or email reception@nawt.org.uk