WILDLIFE rescue workers warn the foot-and-mouth crisis is having a devastating effect on welfare work.

Vale Wildlife Rescue, at Beckford, near Evesham, has had to close its visitor centre at Evesham Country Park and regular car boot sales will not be able to go ahead.

The workers say that without these they are being crippled financially.

"This crisis couldn't have come at a worse time for us with the long-awaited and almost finished new hospital to open this year," said Caroline Gould, who is the founder and manager of the centre.

The visitor centre at Evesham is home to cloven-hoofed animals and as a precaution it has been closed to the public, but because no one can visit it cannot make any money.

"Animals still have to be fed, staff have to be paid and vets' bills still have to be met," said Ms Gould. "If we can't raise financial support to keep it running while we're closed, the visitor centre will not be able to re-open.

The centre is due to hold its annual open day on Sunday, July 1, but it is not yet known whether it will be able to go ahead. The event normally raises £7,000.

The charity is appealing for donations to help with the running of the hospital and visitor centre.

Anyone who can help should call 01386 882288.