ORPHANED kittens who need nursing back to health are being cared for at a Barrow rescue centre.

Animal Welfare Furness has appealed for help after the struggling four-legged companions were found 'covered in dirt'.

The dishevelled felines have been living outside with no mother and need help - meaning lots of expensive vet trips for the young fighters.

A spokesman for AWF said the kittens were handed to them by a member of the public.

"I think the mother has done the best that she can with being an outdoor cat and has helped them survive with what resources shes had," said the spokesman.

"The kittens are eating meat early so I think mum cat had a small amount of milk or was a first time mum and did not have much experience.

"It is important that people neuter their cats - male and female - so that this does not happen."

There are five kittens, which are between four and five weeks old and not in the best health.

One baby did not make it and died before it could be saved while another has been at the vets on a drip.

When found, she could not lift her head and has now been taken home by a vet nurse for a few days for optimal care but is still 'touch and go'.

While the cats are not yet ready for rehoming, the organisation is asking for help to deal with the expensive vetinerary fees which come with taking care of such young animals.

The other members of the litter are doing well and have been treated for fleas, worms and ear mites and have been given a bath to get rid of the dirt they were covered in.

The charity says that any small donations will go a long way to helping the kittens get the best care they can have.

To donate visit the Animal Welfare Furness website.