A WEBHEATH woman who embarked on a crusade to save neglected or sick horses and ponies more than a decade ago raised an impressive £960 from her first ever fund-raiser, writes Melina Cannon.

Liza Bryan, of The Furlongs Horse Rescue, Gorcott Hill, staged a charity night at The Cross and Bowling Green, which was supported by Redditch companies such as Halfords and Club Ventura.

Miss Bryan set up the voluntary charity about four years ago, funded from her full-time job at a Redditch firm, but made her first rescue of a Shetland pony called Goliath back in 1989.

She has since gone on to care for and re-home countless horses and ponies and receives donations of money, equipment or food when the animals are found new homes.

She now has eight animals at the rented Gorcott Hill field.

Miss Bryan said Goliath has severely twisted front legs and was riddled with lice and worms, as well as being totally wild.

The most recent addition to The Furlongs Horse Rescue is 25-year-old Max, who was badly neglected and had his teeth pulled out with pliers.

Miss Bryan said the recent fund-raiser was such a success there may be another in about six months.