Animal lovers are hand-rearing four baby rabbits after their mum died when they were just one day old.

The bunnies were brought into Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, based in Edenfield, earlier this month by their concerned owner.

A decision was made for the rabbits to stay under the care of the sanctuary, where they have remained since.

The cute fluffballs require feeding by hand three times a day and have grown considerably over the last two weeks.

Manager Karen Weed said: “The odds were against them because they were so tiny.

"We are though always hopeful and we started hand feeding them. It isn't as good as their mum's milk, but they did take to the formula.

"Their eyes opened for the first time at nine days and they are now becoming more active. There is still a way to go but they are getting stronger."