AN animal sanctuary is appealing for help to get its animals through the winter -- including its very own four-legged television star.

Gemma the donkey was recently filmed for an episode of Born and Bred, filmed in Downham, near Clitheroe.

Now volunteers at the Only Foals and Horses centre, Oswaldtwistle, are calling on locals to help raise the cash they need to keep Gemma and around 100 other animals safe over the winter.

Olive Lomas, honorary co-ordinator for the Redshell Lane centre, said: "In summer the stronger, fitter ones can live outside 24 hours a day, and exist on the grass in the fields. But come winter and they will all have to be stabled. That means extra help, extra feed and extra bedding.

"It's frightening how much we need to raise. You don't think of the total sum, you just have to exist from week to week and try to pay as you go. It has always been a struggle, but it's our top priority."

But along with Gemma and the larger animals, the centre also has a large number of sheep, pigs, goats and rabbits.

Mrs Lomas said: "Gemma was chosen though a contact in the Ribble Valley who has done some work for the BBC before. She is highly intelligent. She knows the timetable and the routine here like clockwork. She got a bit upset on the day at the travelling but she soon adapted."

Over the harsh winter months, a number of the animals are sent away to overflow facilities, but the sanctuary fills its stables for the colder months.

Mrs Lomas said: "The forecast isn't looking too good for the winter. It's going to be long, hard and cold. We have sent newsletters out, we are trying to push the adoption of animals -- they can be adopted over and over again. We have three events coming up shortly, and there's our charity shop and market hall, but it's never enough."

To help, ring 01254 235559.