A COUNTY animal sanctuary battling to raise thousands of pounds to escape eviction has welcomed two new additions.

The Farm Animal Sanctuary, which still needs to raise £70,000 to buy the land it is built on, invited volunteer Karen White into its ranks at the same time as an unusual sheep arrived – saved from the slaughterhouse.

Janet Taylor, owner of the sanctuary in Manor Orchard Farm, Middle Littleton, near Evesham, rescued Hazel the sheep because she seemed so friendly. But when she was put with the rest of the flock they noticed a problem.

Ms Taylor said: “I bought Hazel at a market. I looked at the sheep and there was a handsome ewe going for slaughter but she was very friendly. I decided to buy her with my own money.

“Then we discovered her behaviour was a bit odd and she was acting like a ram with all the ewes. Two vets examined her and found some hidden testicles. They had never come across it before. She has since had an operation and is now with the rest of the sheep.”

A less problematic addition to the farm was Ms White, a Vodafone World Of Difference winner who chose to complete two months of volunteer work at the sanctuary.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be able to work with this amazing animal charity. We’ve still got to raise the outstanding funds to safeguard the animals’ home, but have already had so much support from the local community.” The farm began raising money last year when the owners of the land moved to evict Ms Taylor but after a change of heart they gave her the chance to buy the land.

Despite raising £405,000 through donations and loans, they still need another £70,000 and the fund-raising hasn’t been helped by the poor winter weather.

Ms Taylor said: “It has been the worst winter ever for us as well and cost more than double for feed than last year. “The fund-raising has kind of come to a standstill but we will battle on. There is no choice but to go ahead with it.”

To help the farm, text donate £5 or £10 to 70070 and message text HOME65 £10 or £5 or visit justgiving.com/saveoursanctuary.