THINGS have gone from bard to verse for an animal sanctuary - so much so that volunteer worker Roberta Murray has turned to rhyme to help bolster funds to try and save it.

Only Foals and Horses, in Haslingden Old Road, Accrington, faces the prospect of having to move premises if it cannot stump up £190,000 by next February to buy its unique property.

If it had to move, it would be difficult to keep all the animals housed within the existing complex together, meaning the sanctuary would have to be split up into the four charities which merged to create it three years ago.

So Roberta decided to take matters into her own hands, by composing a verse which has been sent to scores of newspapers throughout the country.

She said: "When I am inspired, I can't help but write poetry so I thought I would put this talent and try to tug a few heartstrings towards helping us here."

The piece has been published on the pages of scores of newspapers since it was sent out in April. The final verse of her poem reads:

Can somebody out there

Just find us a way

To keep us our home

And our warm bed of hay

Charity co-ordinator Olive Lomas said: "It is a very worrying time for us. Our current centre is very specialised towards our needs and serves us perfectly. We were supposed to find the money for the February just gone but luckily we were given an extra 12 months to find the money.

"Because our centre is all under one roof, visitors like coming to see the animals. If it was spread over several sites, the appeal to them would be lost and one of our vital cash supplies would be lost."

Olive added: "At the moment, three generations come to our centre and enjoy themselves. Their donations are vital. That, ultimately, would mean out work would have to come to an end."

To help Only Foals and Horses, ring (01254) 235559.

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