Haworth Cat Rescue was founded in 1992 and in the past has been voted the Best Cat Rescue in Britain.

But it says demand for its services now far outweighs capacity at its current site in Cross Roads, Keighley, and says physical and financial constraints mean it is now having to turn away about two-thirds of requests for help.

A spokeswoman said: "Without the new centre there is a very real threat that Haworth Cat Rescue will cease to exist within the next 10 years when the current owners of the site from which it operates sell up. The area, already poorly served, will go further into decline.

"Yorkshire has an appalling reputation for abuse and mistreatment of animals. In line with plans for regeneration and the growth of tourism it is time to change this.

"Our aim is to expand our reach to cover the entire Airedale corridor through the construction of a self-sufficient, purpose-built, environmentally friendly centre.

"The centre will create jobs and also be an integral part of the regeneration of the Aire Valley. It will deliver accessible, comprehensive rescue and rehoming facilities with a one-stop-shop centre that meets social needs, offering over 100 rescue pens, a feral cat enclosure, private boarding, a veterinary clinic, educational programmes and a pet-friendly coffee shop."

To boost its campaign the group has updated its logo. The ginger tom which has appeared on the charity's letterhead, web page and other memorabilia for several years has been named Haworth and his features have been slightly altered to reflect a more plaintive but optimistic expression.

The new logo will soon be seen on the side of the charity's rescue vehicle. Campaign manager Corinne Moore said: "Haworth the Cat has been around for a while and many of our members and supporters are very fond of him.

"But until now he has remained nameless and we felt he deserved a more prominent role in the public eye and as the inspiration behind our new centre appeal. Haworth represents all the cats we have been able to save from neglect, pain and death and the comfort and companionship cats give to carers.

"He is a symbol of hope for our mission to expand and continue our invaluable role within the community for many more years to come through the establishment of a new environmentally-friendly centre."

Ms Moore said the first priority was to procure the land which could be anywhere from Cullingworth to Skipton and to be granted the necessary planning permission.

"It is an ambitious project but, one which I think, is an achievable one and something that Yorkshire needs.

"Although the group is known as Haworth Cat Rescue we actually have rehomed cats from as far away as Halifax."

She said she hoped businesses would be interested in getting involved but was anxious to stress that fundraising should ideally come from all sections of the community.