A CHARD animal sanctuary hopes to find the perfect forever home for a cat who has suffered "serious neglect".

Matilda, a "resilient, older lady", is currently being cared for by Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

When she arrived at the centre, she was severely matted, so much so it was as though her legs were stitched together.

She also has some very painful sores on her skin and inflammation of her gall bladder.

The centre, which helps rehome unwanted and abandoned animals, hopes to win the Movement for Good Animals & Wildlife Special Draw. If successful, the charity could receive an "astounding" £5,000, which it will use to help care for even more animals.

Residents have until midnight tomorrow (Friday, February 23) to cast their votes. You can do so by clicking HERE.

A spokesperson from the animal sanctuary said: "Please vote for Ferne Animal Sanctuary in the Movement for Good Animals & Wildlife Special Draw! With your support, we stand a chance to receive an astounding £5000, allowing us to help more unwanted and abandoned animals like Matilda.

"Matilda is a resilient, older lady who has suffered some serious neglect. The poor lady was so matted that she now has painful sores on her skin. She was unable to walk properly as the matting was so tight, it was almost as though her legs were stitched together.

"With great care, Helen managed to carefully clip a lot of the matted fur from her, but she had to go under anaesthetic to get the very worst of it clear.

"While she was at the vets, she had a thorough check over and a scan showed that Matilda has inflammation of her gall bladder, meaning monthly injections of anti-inflammatory medication which will be gentler on her organs than some other medicines.

"We hope to find Matilda a loving home to spend her twilight months or years experiencing love and comfort. Your vote will support Ferne in our vital work, ensuring we can always be there for animals like Matilda, providing brighter futures for those who need it most."