An animal rescuer is trying to find homes for some "ideal companions" - nine baby rats.

Kate Fowler is looking for people to take one or more of the rodents as pets after they were born a week ago.

Miss Fowler, 31, said: "They make the best pets.

"When people see how beautiful rats are, they are often surprised. Rats are inquisitive, extremely intelligent and meticulously clean."

Miss Fowler turned her house in Pyecombe into a rescue centre for animals five years ago and keeps up to 120 rats.

The rats will be ready for new homes in five weeks.

Anyone interested should call 01273 857627.