'THRILLED' owners of a closure-threatened animal sanctuary have raised enough money to buy new land. 

Funford Mini Farm will be moving to a new home in Powick, just off Malvern Road, after 300 animals were at risk of having nowhere to live. 

The charity, which rescues unwanted animals who might otherwise be put down and allows them to live out the rest of their lives in peace, was told back in May it would need to leave its current site in Callow End, near Worcester, this month. 

David Dunford, who owns the farm, said he was absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed by the community response, which saw hundreds of people donate or fundraise to save it.

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He said he now expects to re-open on the new piece of land in the spring, but added he will open earlier if he can.  

A GoFundMe page was set up and raised £4,484 towards finding a new home, with the cash going to the move and setting up the new and setting up the site. 

Mr Dunford told the Worcester News: “We’re absolutely thrilled, the land needs a lot of work but now we know the animals are safe, that was our worst fear. 

"We will be starting from scratch, although I will use what I can.

"We will have to put the fences up, make new beds and shelters, install water and power and put in hand washing facilities. 

“We are overwhelmed by the response, the kindness of the public has been awe-inspiring, and we were humbled by everything that people have done to help. 

“We’ve had a good team that has been looking after the fundraising and it has been quite an eye-opener that so many people care. 

"We can’t wait to reopen, the animals miss having people in, we can see the change in them when they don’t get that attention, they’ll be themselves again soon and thrilled to have people back in."

Mr Dunford added if anyone wants to help with the move to come to the farm's current home or contact the farm.