Hamsters dumped in boxes outside an animal centre desperately need new homes in the New Year.

The RSPCA, in Southridge, Potters Bar, has 15 of the adorable animals waiting for new owners to come and take them away.

The organisation also has more than 20 rabbits in its care.

RSPCA Southridge worker, Lisa Obertelli, said: “We are taking calls every day from people trying to hand over rabbits, but, like Father Christmas, we are bursting at the seams, and we simply cannot take any more until we find homes for the ones we already have.

“It would be lovely if after the excesses of Christmas you could plan to come down to the centre and find out more about the animals that need rehoming.”