AN ANIMAL rescue charity suddenly found itself with more than 200 rats to re-home after a family in Oxfordshire became overwhelmed at how rapidly their pets were populating.

Wood Green Animal Charity in Cambridgeshire took the 219 rats to its base, and it has been reported they are all very "healthy and friendly".

The family in Oxfordshire originally thought they had a few rats all of the same sex, but quickly realised this was not the case when babies were born.

The rats are being housed in large "explorer cages" and have been provided with hammocks, wheels, ropes and other toys.

Do you know the Oxfordshire family who first owned the rats? Email megan.archer@oxfordmail.co.uk to share your story.