A GoFundMe appeal to raise £4,000 for Martha the stray cat to undergo surgery has collected more than £2,400 from 173 supporters.

It will enable Vets4Pets in Warminster to go ahead and amputate one of the white tabby's legs this afternoon.

Elena Barnard, 27, of High Street, Westbury, launched the GoFundMe appeal after finding that Martha had been badly hurt - possibly as a result of being kicked.

Veterinary staff at Vets4Pets said she had been subjected to blunt force trauma and had nerve damage in her leg.

"She also had a crackly noise in her shoulder, which they think may be broken, and she has facial trauma and some broken teeth," Miss Barnard said.

"Someone popped into her vet and made an in-person donation towards her surgery, which meant we could afford to do pre-op blood checks, which weren't previously accounted for.

"She's getting her leg amputated this afternoon. Three different vets said that it was the best option for her given the complexity and severity of the break, and that any attempt to mend the break would be risky, expensive and not guaranteed to work.

"We've raised enough money for today's operation and have reduced the goal amount on our fundraiser to reflect the up-to-date quotes and information we've been given as we go along.

"Depending on what the vet says about her teeth and the results of the surgery today we may be able to close the fundraising altogether and move on with her as part of the family, full time.

"Then we can take a look at what we have left over from the donations, allocate enough for her recovery and re-donate any excess to other needy cats."

Miss Barnard added: "The past few weeks have been challenging and emotional, but the kindness and generosity people have shown towards Martha has been incredibly heartwarming, and myself, my partner Alex and Martha the cat are incredibly grateful."