RATS, hamsters, gerbils and other rodents are in desperate need of homes in Oxfordshire as one animal charity battles to care for more abandoned pets than ever before.

Blue Cross is currently overrun with about 100 small pets, including 51 rats and about 40 degus, hamsters and gerbils.

The rehoming centre on Shilton Road is also looking for homes for 21 rabbits and 10 guinea pigs.

Jenna Martyn, centre manager at the Burford home, said: "There are so many - we've had to house rabbits and rats in our offices to accommodate them all. We're absolutely desperate for loving new homes for them."

One-year-old rats Washington and Kansas are just some of the many small animals in the charity's care.The pair arrived at Blue Cross after their owner was unable to care for them anymore

Seven-month-old rabbits Bowie and Ziggy are also looking for new owners too. The bunnies were discovered dumped in a skip in London where they received care from the Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton before being transferred to the charity's rehoming centre in Oxfordshire.

Ms Martyn added: "Lots of people clearly need help rehoming their small pets and there are very few places that can help with this type of animal.

"Rehoming also slows down during the winter months so we've become inundated. Small animals like rats and rabbits can make fantastic pets. Some people are put off by rats but domestic ones are really clean, friendly and interactive.

"They are also very intelligent – you can even train them to fetch, just like a dog."

And the charity is also one paw closer to opening a new rehoming centre for pets as staff officially dug the first ground to start building work.

Mr Martyn was joined earlier this month by four-year-old ex-racing greyhound Vinnie to help contractors begin work.

The centre redesign will include new kennels and outside runs, separate dog and cat isolation units for new arrivals and ill pets, dedicated puppy and kitten areas and a refurbished reception area where new owners can meet pets looking for homes.

Ms Martyn said: "We're so excited that building work is underway. Our current facilities are out of date, but our new and improved centre will offer a much nicer place for homeless and abandoned pets to stay while they wait for new homes.

"The designs of the new kennels and cattery will minimise risk of disease and reduce stress, so the animals that come through our doors can find homes much quicker."

Blue Cross in Burford cares for about 900 dogs, cats and small animals, but the rebuild and improved facilities means the charity will be able to double the number of pets it can help.

Ms Martyn added: "Building will be done in stages, which will allow us to remain open as usual throughout the work. Blue Cross is totally reliant on public support so if anyone would like to donate towards our new centre, we'd be really grateful."