A TROUBLED animal sanctuary which was £20,000 in the red after being forced to close to the public because of the foot and mouth crisis has received more than £3,000 in donations after an appeal in the Redditch Advertiser.

Donations to Farm Animal Sanctuary, in Tardebigge, included £500 from businessman Peter MacIntosh, who turned up at the Stoney Lane sanctuary the same day as another surprise arrival - a newborn lamb - which has been named Mr MacIntosh.

But the sanctuary, which is home to sheep, pot-bellied pigs, goats, ponies and poultry, is still struggling because it cannot carry out its main fund-raising events due to restrictions.

Co-owner Maureen Lawless said: "We usually take the animals to all sorts of events such as fetes and country events at Arrow Valley Park, which helps us raise money but we have had to stop.

"We are being very careful but life is difficult. We are still struggling because these are our main means of fund-raising and this is the time of year we would normally be doing them."

"We had to close the sanctuary because we were initially in an infected area and movement of animals is still totally restricted, except for slaughter.

"We have gratefully received more than £3,000 from various sources and people have given us hay and straw following our appeal to the public."

Miss Lawless also said that for £30 a year, people could choose an animal to adopt and come and visit.

They would also get a quarterly newsletter, photograph of the animal and a certificate.

Anyone who can help with fund-raising, by staging a car boot sale or raffle, or by adopting an animal can call Miss Lawless on 870613.

Donations such as bags of carrots or apples are appreciated, but should be left at the sanctuary gate due to foot and mouth restrictions.