Vanessa Duggan and Thomas Wood have made an unusual request to the guests who will attend their wedding ceremony at Carr Hall Castle in Halifax this Saturday – the couple requested donations to a rescue charity for cats rather than the traditional types of presents.

Ms Duggan commented: “It would be so wonderful if by celebrating our special day with our family and friends we could also raise a significant sum to help change lives… Knowing we’ve made a difference would be the best wedding gift of all.”

The cat-lovers, of Charlestown, Hebden Bridge, will have a collection box on their special day. They have also set up a page on Virgin Money Giving for online donations ahead of the occasion – well wishers will find it by searching for Vanessa Duggan at www.virginmoneygiving.com.

Haworth Cat Rescue takes in abandoned and stray cats as well as helping people who need to find a new home for their pets because of such issues as illness or eviction.

Ms Duggan added: “The reality is the charity can’t help every person or every cat and kitten that needs them due to lack of money needed to build a bigger centre… The vet bills alone are thousands of pounds each month.”