WILDLIFE rescue centre Oak and Furrows has said they fear overwhelming demand for their services will force them to close down before Christmas.

Based on the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border, the rescue centre is currently caring for the largest number of animals in their 24 year history.

They are calling for urgent public support to help them get through the winter, their busiest time of year.

Robin Thompson, chairman of the Trustees of Oak and Furrows, said: “It is a crisis none of the team wants but with 260 sick and injured animals, and rising by the day, costs are soaring to horrendous heights.

“We have no other alternative than to appeal to the wonderful public in the region to help us overcome this challenge and enable us time to secure more funding from as many organisations and lovers of wildlife as possible.

“In the simplest of terms, if 850 people donated £35 each, it would give us time to plan fundraising activities and appeals for the months ahead.

Oak and Furrows have a fundraiser planned in Cricklade on December 2 and patron Pam Ayres is donating her fee from her appearance on Celebrity Mastermind this Christmas to the charity.

Trustees will also be attending Cirencester’s Bishops Walk Christmas celebration on December 16 with otter Rudi in an attempt to help raise £50,000 by February.

Those wishing to donate to Oak and Furrows can go to: justgiving.com/oakandfurrows