OAK and Furrows wildlife rescue centre on the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border has launched an urgent appeal for financial support because of the growing numbers of birds and animals needing urgent care.

Chairman Robin Thompson said: "At the beginning of this year the number had risen to almost 3,000 in nine months.

"There is a real likelihood that this figure will be exceeded, with even more treatment required, within the next five or six months.

"Oak and Furrows does a phenomenal job, as everyone will, I am sure agree after having visited our location at Blakehill Nature Reserve, on the Malmesbury Road at Leigh, near Cricklade.

"That success, in the form of support, can be witnessed every day when you view the totally dedicated team of employees and volunteers, whose joint commitment is phenomenal."

Oak and Furrows currently has more than 400 members who help the charity every year financially. Others provide support at fund raising events

In the year ahead it is hoped that the sums raised can be significantly boosted by more members who would like to volunteer or act as helpers at fund raising events.

These are currently being programmed for the year to encourage growing, constant support.

Robin said: "Telling everyone about the magnificent work of the charity is vital to its future.

"Many already help with promotional activities, but additional funding is equally important if we are to keep everyone involved via our newsletter and leaflets which inform them of the new treatments available and daily assistance from all sorts of people, who give us everything from newspapers to tear up and create bedding for the wildllife, to vital food and the overall continuing need for growth and development to ensure the future of our wildlife and of course Oak and Furrows".

Families wishing to visit Oak and Furrows can arrange to do so with Chrissy Ball, head of administration and fund raising, on 01793 751412.