AN appeal has been launched to find six black kittens new homes.

The kittens have been in the care of Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter for around five weeks now, but are struggling to find new families.

There were originally nine kittens, aged around 12 weeks old, brought to the centre but some have found homes already.

Four of the nine were found in a box near rubbish on the side of the road, and the other five were part of the same litter after a female pet cat bred with a stray.

Claire Tregunna, manger of the centre in Newland, near Malvern, says some people are put off adopting a black cat despite the fact they are "perfect pets".

Miss Tregunna said: "Black cats always struggle to find new homes for reasons no one is exactly sure of. It could be because of superstition, or people think black cats don't have much of a personality, but that's not the case at all.

"Two of the four were very ill at the time, but with medication and plenty of fuss they are fighting fit again.

"Even though they've not been with us too long, we are trying to raise their profile before it turns into a longer stay.

"We have got to know them all, and their personalities have come out. They love to play and are very affectionate.

"They are also very laid back, so are the perfect pets for young families with children.

"We would love to get them homed as soon as possible, as they are such great pets for someone who takes them on."