A LAST-ditch appeal to save a popular East Lancashire sanctuary from closure has raised almost £20,000 in a year.

Blackburn woman Sylvia Soltau set up the Land Purchase Fund in a bid to keep Only Foals and Horses open.

The Oswaldtwistle sanctuary has until the end of January 2000 to raise the £190,000 total needed to keep the animal haven alive.

The centre received a stay of execution in the spring when a Suffolk businessman offered a low-interest loan of up to £90,000.

But volunteers still need to find in the region of £80,000 to secure the site, which is home to more than 100 animals.

Sylvia says her fund has topped £19,000 since last July, including the One In A Million appeal which encourages donors to pledge cash directly. Weekend collections at the Oswaldtwistle Mills shopping complex are helping to swell funds and a series of summer fund-raising events is planned.

Sylvia said: "I'd like to thank everyone who has helped raise money for the appeal, it's an incredible total so far.

"We do need more donations and if anyone wants to pledge money they can call me on 01254 671198."

The sanctuary recently took in three new horses including a Shetland pony called Tom Thumb, and still has to raise extra money to cover running costs.

Only Foals and Horses co-ordinator Olive Lomas said: "Things are beginning to pick up again now, but the last two or three months have been a real struggle.

"More of the horses are out in the field now it's summer so the feeding bills are being gradually reduced."

The sanctuary is on the lookout for more adult volunteers and anyone interested can call 01254 235559.

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