A LIFE-LONG cat lover has helped Cats Protection buy a new van – from money left in her will.

Elsa Wood, of Ross, was aged 99 when she died last year. Not only did she leave behind £34,000 for the Cats Protection but a cat she was fostering called Giles.

The proud and ginger tabby has since moved in with a volunteer at the Lydney shop.

Joyce Moss at Cats Protection said: "Recently, the Forest branch of Cats Protection took delivery of a striking new van. The old one, which will be donated to another branch, has rattled, groaned and squeaked its way around the Dean for years to rescue cats, take them to the vets and collect items for the shop in Lydney.

"The new van cost £9,000 so the rest of Elsa's legacy will go partly to other more needy Cats Protection branches, as well as help with the treatment expenses of the many cats taken in by the Dean branch."

The shop is always happy to receive donations including items of clothing or household goods.