AN animal shelter is desperate for extra funding after hefty vets' bills drained the coffers over Christmas.

Danemere Animal Rescue, in Tibberton, between Worcester and Droitwich, said crippling bills running to nearly £5,000 over two months had meant it had all but drained its savings account.

"We've got no money, apart from a couple of hundred pounds," said Dave Lammie, from the centre.

He urged the public to donate cash, sponsor animals or adopt pets if they can give them a good home.

"In December, we spent £2,005 on vets' bills and this month we have already spent £2,700. It has meant that we have had to stop taking in dogs until we can sort it out," he added.

"The money in our savings was for a rainy day, or to let us give one of the animals a really big operation."

The shelter houses about 40 cats, 25 dogs and a few rabbits.

"We've got some fund-raising events in the pipeline, and it's not going to force us to close, but we have never had to dip into our savings like this," Mr Lammie added.

To contact Danemere Animal Rescue, call 01905 345655.