A WILDLIFE rescue centre on the border between Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, is staging a vital fundraising night of food and music next month.

The cost of running Oak and Furrows at Blakehill Nature Reserve, is about £170,000 a year and the centre is currently enduring one of its toughest periods since its launch, more than 20 years ago.

Over the past 15 months, the number of patients rose from just over 3,000 to 5,300.

The charity's chairman, Robin Thompson said: "It could have been catastrophic but for the huge efforts of the staff, volunteers, my fellow trustees and our excellent patrons.

"Because of their determination, the support of so many members of the public, and grant aid we have reached a stage where together we are able to commit ourselves to a lot of fund raising during the year ahead.

"Our first event raised £8,500, the challenge for everyone involved in the October 27 special event at De Vere in the Cotswold Water Park, is to do all we can to raise even more."

He added: "To this end, we are already planning a special Christmas collection, a fashion show with dinner and music in March, and an early spring Otter Garden Party at the Frampton Mansell valley home, with its own lake, of Daphne Neville, one of our amazing patrons. Guest of honour will be her otter, Rudi."

The fundraiser on October 27 will include a grand buffet and music from the Sapphires women's quartet made up of Charlie Bunting, Laura Tasney, Pip Syrett and Caroline Channon, who will perform a set from Bach to The Beatles.

There will also be performances by Cirencester's own Elvis, Aren Emir, and singer Andy Hughes.

There will be a "world of Oak and Furrows " slide show, tombola, membership desk and raffle, in an evening compered by Mark Cummings, of BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Tickets at £40 per head are already on sale. The charity is able to arrange tables of up to 10 people. Tickets may be ordered by calling Oak and Furrows on 01793 751 412.

Payment may be made by post to the charity, a stamped, addressed envelope for tickets would be appreciated.

The charity's address is Blakehill Nature Reserve, Malmesbury Road, Leigh, Cricklade, Wiltshire SN6 6RA.

Anyone wishing to visit the centre must do so by arranging a time and date in advance by calling 01793 751412.

The charity will shortly be launching a new website to ensure the public is kept up to date with Oak and Furrows, which was founded by Serena Stevens of Somerford Keynes. Serena is still the head of animal care.