HUNDREDS of phone calls were made by concerned residents about needy animals last Christmas, according to new stats.

The RSPCA has launched its festive appeal asking for people's help to care for neglected and abused animals and has revealed the extent some suffer during this time of year.

During December last year, the charity received 360 calls from Oxfordshire to its 24-hour cruelty hotline with concerns about animals in distress.

Across the south east, 5,500 animals were taken in and given a warm bed, food and veterinary care.

The RSPCA wants people to help cover the cost so it can provide assistance this year.