A RESCUE centre for birds in trouble across Worcestershire and Herefordshire is celebrating after it received an unexpected injection of money.

Bishops Wood Swan Rescue Centre has been presented with a cheque for £200 from the Make a Difference campaign after it was nominated for funding by a member of the public.

Staff at the centre say the much-needed money - which is courtesy of Worcester Round Table volunteers in conjunction with the Worcester News - will be put towards vet bills, food and bedding for the birds.

Founder Sandy Lee said: "It was a very pleasant surprise. We did not expect it, so we are very grateful for the person who nominated us. We are in desperate need of the money."

The centre, which has about six volunteers, relies heavily on fund-raising events and Mrs Lee said this money has given the team a real boost.

"People are a lot more generous to cats and dogs than wildlife so it is much harder to raise money for the centre unless people are that way inclined - it really is hard work," she said.

Mrs Lee, who runs the centre near Ombersley with her husband Nick, said it is vital they get the funding to carry on their work.

"We just had a family of oiled swans with parents and four cygnets and they will gobble up money because they will be here for a few weeks," she said. "It's mainly fishing-related problems we have to deal with to be fair and now that the fishing season has started we'll probably have lots of calls."

Mrs Lee said the centre currently has about 20 swans and 80 ducklings in its care, although it can accommodate up to 200 birds.

She said the centre was set up about five-and-half-years-ago after a decision was made to sell the couple's house.

"We gave up everything to do this," she said. "We haven't got a home but I most definitely wouldn't change anything."

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