THREE tiny kittens are on their way to new homes after they were abandoned in a box on New Year's Day.

The furry trio were found in the car park of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Shuttleworth.

Sanctuary secretary Andrea Wiggins said: "They're all fine and have been booked out to new owners who they will be on their way to soon.

"I don't think you can put into print what we think about people who abandon animals in this way, and to think that these people could just go out and get another animal is even worse. In addition to the kittens, four dogs were found abandoned across the borough over the Christmas and New Year period.

Emma Williams, who works in the cat and kitten department, is picured with two of the kittens found in a box outside the sanctuary.

Staff also retrieved a pony from building land near Middleton which will have a permanent home at Bleakholt, unless the original owners come forward.