THE RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch has been named as the newspaper's charity of the month as we recognise the unsung heroes in our town.

In the final week of coverage, our chief reporter Lauren Hirst discovers what the future holds for the animal charity.

With more than 20 years of experience at the RSPCA, branch manager Helena Brailsford has witnessed firsthand the cruelty inflicted on innocent animals by humans.

But this has only made her more determined to help each animal which is brought through the doors of the animal centre on Slutchers Lane.

There are already plans in place to improve the site including the construction of an enrichment garden and the redevelopment of the largest kennel block.

"Hopefully the enrichment garden will be built this summer," said Helena, who first started work at the RSPCA as a volunteer in 1995.

"The aim is to provide a stimulating area for the dogs where they can use all of their senses.

"We are also working hard to expand our volunteer programme.

"That's a key part of what we want to do moving forward.

"It will allow us to provide much better socialisation and enrichment for the animals.

"The more hours they can spend out of their kennels the better."

As the charity does not receive any Government funding, the national RSPCA provides some financial relief to help care for the rescued animals at the Slutchers Lane centre.

"Unfortunately it does not cover the cost of what we do," said Helena.

"For example if they need further veterinary help this falls on the branch's shoulders."

This is why donations play a key role in keeping the centre open.

"It's a massive challenge but it's very rewarding.

"At first you don't know exactly whether the animals will have health or behavioural issues – they may be frightened of people.

"But it's all worthwhile when you see them come out of the other end."

Looking to the future, the charity hopes to extend its services further – in particular by providing support to the public.

She added: "We are looking at trying to do more in terms of the community.

“We are in a limited position to help the public more with veterinary treatment.

“But if we can get out there and help people provide better care hopefully it means inspectors won't have to go knocking on any doors."

To support the charity visit rspca-whs.org.uk.