A charity shop raising money for the protection of cats in Hendon, Finchley and Mill Hill will open its doors for the first time on Friday.

Cats Protection will open its first Barnet branch in Ballards Lane, Finchley Central at 10am.

The charity is already looking for volunteers and donations, and all the money raised at the new shop will go to supporting the work of the Hendon, Finchley and Mill Hill branch.

Its work includes saving feral and homeless cats, as well as providing free neutering vouchers and vaccinations to cat owners in the area.

The shops managers are looking for volunteers to give their time in the shop, as well as donations of items to sell such as clothes, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs and toys.

Area manager Mark Verity said: “We’re looking forward to the big opening. There will be freebies, balloons and we’re hoping to create a good atmosphere.”