A CAT lover who has dedicated her life to rescuing thousands of felines in need was honoured with a prestigious award yesterday.

Liz Varney has run Catastrophes Cat Rescue from her home in Dallington, Heathfield, for more than 40 years.

She was presented with a special award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at its Animal Action Awards in London.

Ms Varney set up the rescue and rehoming service alongside partner Alan Knight.

Mr Knight also runs the charity International Animal Rescue, helping vulnerable animals around the world.

Many of the cats Ms Varney has cared for have been have been abandoned or ill-treated and some have become homeless because of a change in people’s circumstances.

The service aims to help any cat regardless of age, temperament or behavioural problems, whether wild or tame.

It receives many desperate calls from around the UK and sometimes abroad, asking for help to rehome elderly, feral and difficult cats that some larger organisations may turn away or put down.

The service also has a sanctuary so cats which would be very difficult to rehome can live out the rest of their days in comfort.

IFAW president and chief executive Azzedine Downes said: “Liz’s dedication has seen her rescue many thousands of cats over the years and she is a great role model and example of animal welfare in action.

“She is a very deserving winner.”

Ms Varney, with help from a team of volunteers, also visits colonies of feral cats, which they spay and neuter and provide any necessary veterinary treatment.

Feral cats are then returned to their site of capture if long-term food supply and shelter can be provided.

If not, they are relocated to a suitable farm or country home or alternatively they are given a home at the sanctuary.

Ms Varney said: “The first cat I rehomed was in answer to a request from a vet friend who was upset at healthy animals being brought in to be put down.

“From that, more and more requests came and annually we now rescue hundreds of cats. “

The awards at the House of Lords were hosted by Baroness Gale and presented by TV wildlife presenter Bill Oddie.