OAK and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre (OAF) is enlisting the help of the Paul O’Grady show to boost its campaign to raise funds to build a new home.

Pam Ayres, the centre’s newly appointed patron, used her showbiz links with the Liverpudlian entertainer to arrange the appearance on the ITV programme today (Wednesday May 21)

Somerford Keynes-based OAF have currently raised just over £155,000 for its badly needed move to a new home near Cricklade but it is still well short of the £220,000 required to make it happen.

It is hoped that by taking its appeal to national television, OAF can raise its profile and spark more donations to fund the move.

“I was elated when I got the phone call. We are very excited,” Barry Branigan, OAF manager said.

“We are going on the show to promote what we do and the relocation project.

“This is big for us. We have been trying to promote ourselves publicly for a long time and our events programme is starting to pick up due to the increased publicity we have been getting.”

OAF’s appearance on the show, which airs at 5pm, will feature youngsters volunteering at the centre followed by an interview with Barry and founder Serena Stevens.

Pam, who has appeared on the Paul O’Grady show several times, said: “I was delighted to hear that they will be on the show.

“(OAF) do such a good job. It is there for anyone to take an animal that they are worried about.

“I was asked to go on the show myself but unfortunately I couldn’t because I have a sold out concert in Bromley to attend.

"I would have loved to appear on the show – I could have hugged a hedgehog.”

OAF were given planning permission by Wiltshire Council to build a new headquarters on the site of a former airbase on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) land near Cricklade last year.

Work on the project is expected to start later this year when an information centre and wildlife hospital will be constructed. The second stage will create storage sheds, aviaries and fencing.

The new base is badly needed as the charity's current facilities are badly worn out and unable to deal with the high amount of sick and injured animals in the district.

To get involved contact 01285 862439.