A MASSIVE donation of £1,000 has been contributed by a top star to a farm animal sanctuary near Bromsgrove, which had its fundraising stock destroyed by fire.

Co-founder of the Farm Animal Sanctuary, Maureen Lawless, wrote to the Stoney Lane site's patron Joanna Lumley informing her of the blaze last month at its charity shop, in Rubery.

Cash raised from sale of goods there was used to feed and care for the dozens of animals at the centre.

Now Maureen has received a letter back from Joanna saying she was "so sorry to hear the appalling news" and enclosed a cheque for £1,000.

Joanna also said she would look out some clothes for a future event for the sanctuary where it is trying to get celebrities to donate clothes and auction them off.

Maureen said: "I was really pleased when I heard back from Joanna, as I know how busy she is. It was really kind of her to send the money.

"We have been overwhelmed with the response we've had with money and goods for sale, some of the items have been exceptional. There are some very kind people out there."

The sanctuary's appeal has been backed by a campaign in the Advertiser/Messenger for the past month.

A yard sale of some of the donated goods is being held to raise cash for the sanctuary this Saturday (August 5) at the Donkey Centre, in Wharf Lane, Broad Green, near to the sanctuary. It will run from 10am-2pm.

Maureen said a new resident had also come to the centre recently - a very large lop eared pig called Babe.

The enormous pig, which came from Worcester, now has a new permanent home at the sanctuary.

Maureen said: "Babe has settled in really well, but I have never seen a pig as big as her. When she sits herself down the whole fence shudders. We have put up a lean-to for her, and it certainly does lean when she gets into it!"

The Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues sick and abused farm animals and gives them veterinary treatment and a permanent home.

Donations are still being collected and can be dropped off at the sanctuary, in Stoney Lane, or at the Advertiser/Messenger at 5 High Street, Bromsgrove. Items can be collected by calling Maureen on 01527 870613.

by Sarah Mawhinney