A VITAL animal sanctuary faces a race against time after being told by their landlord - buy up or get out. Dedicated volunteers at the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary, in Oswaldtwistle, are calling on the public to help them raise £190,000 to buy the Redshell Stables, off Haslingden Old Road, which houses more than 130 animals.

They have just four months - until February 28 next year - to come up with the cash before the land is auctioned off.

Since the landlord announced the sale of the site co-ordinator Olive Lomas' 60 foals, horses and ponies, 24 goats, six sheep, 14 pigs, 29 rabbits and guinea pigs face an uncertain winter.

The £190,000 would pay for two large buildings, two small indoor exercise areas, a cottage which is used as an office, store room, tearoom and shop, and 26 acres of land.

Olive said: "There will be other places to rent, but a single site may not be large enough, not as accessible, and not so close to the local people who support us."

Olive added: "We feel our best plan is to try to find 190 groups, such as councils, grant organisations, or companies, who will donate a one-off contribution of £1,000, or possibly provide us with something we could auction or sell to raise that amount.

"Mutual publicity could be gained and a special plaque engraved to acknowledge all donors."

Olive added that the £350 to £400 now paid in weekly rent could be used to upgrade the site, providing more facilities for disabled people.

She said: "We work primarily for the benefit of animals but feel our next responsibility is for the animals to be seen and enjoyed by the people who support us.

If you would like to help the sanctuary, you can contact Olive Lomas on 01254 235559 or 01254 239995, or call at the site between 1pm and 4pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.