AN animal rescue centre is under threat due to a major shortfall in funds and volunteers.

Wildlives, based in Thorrington, is a vital refuge centre for injured animals in the area.

People who find sick or injured wildlife drop the animals off at the centre for owner Rosie Catford and her team of volunteers to nurse back to health.

They have saved the lives of countless creatures over the last 20 years.

But now Wildlives is under threat of being forced to close.

Rosie said: “We really have struggled this year. It’s worse than I have ever experienced in nearly 20 years of running here.

“We were let down quite badly by some volunteers, while others have left to go off to university.

“I rely on them and it has left us with a serious shortfall. It has been disastrous.”

This year Wildlives has already treated more than 1,000 animals.

Rosie added: “We have had a huge number of animals brought in and it is a real struggle without donations and volunteers.

“I had to close for six weeks because I was just on the edge of exhaustion. We desperately need help.”

To volunteer or offer donations, people should contact Wildlives on 01206 251174 or visit the website at wildlives.org.uk.