The 150th anniversary of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been marked with the Royal Mail release of a new stamp collection.
A series of 10 special edition 1st Class stamps, featuring cats and dogs that were successfully re-homed, celebrate the anniversary of the charity's foundation.
Founded in 1860 by Mary Tealby, the charity started life as the 'Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs' after Ms Tealby became concerned about the number of stray dogs walking Londons streets.
Some 11 years later it moved and changed its name to Battersea Dogs Home.
In 2005 it changed its name once again to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to relect the fact it had been taking in cats since 1883.
Howard Bridges, chief executive of the home, said: “A set of specially commisioned stamps in our honour is a huge privilege.
“Everyone at the home is thrilled and the final images truly capture the characters of the animals chosen.”
Today the charity has three centres (Battersea, Brands Hatch and Windsor) taking in 12,000 animals a year until their owners or a new home can be located.
A typical stay for the animals is 27 days.
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