An animal charity worker who has dedicated 50 years to rescuing and rehoming cats has been named as volunteer of the year.

Ann Knowles, 70, who runs Katz Castle in Cobham, picked up the animal charity volunteer of the year award at the Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes animal charity awards earlier this month.

Judges praised Ms Knowles for her enthusiasm and dedication to the welfare of cats and the support she has given to Katz Castle to ensure cats are rehomed appropriately.

Ms Knowles said: “It’s so lovely to have won and my family and I are so appreciative of the support I have received.

“It’s brilliant to be recognised as a small charity, as lots of people are not aware of the huge responsibilities involved, like ensuring that the environment is suitable when rehoming our pets.”