ACCRINGTON Stanley is taking the reins to help raise money for an animal sanctuary - by dedicating its next match to the charity.

And the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary will be holding a Christmas party the following day to celebrate its raised profile in festive style.

The football club will use its game against Milton Keynes Dons, on Saturday, to highlight the work of the Oswaldtwistle-based charity. The sanctuary needs £5,000 each week to feed, and look after, the 200 horses and other animals it houses.

Key fundraiser Olive Lomas was taken ill earlier this year, and the charity has been struggling without her.

Olive's son, Joey, who has taken on much of the responsibility for raising money, said: "Accrington Stanley have been very supportive and it is great that they have offered their help this weekend."

Volunteers with collection buckets will be passing through the ground before the 3pm kick-off and during half- time. There will also be announcements in the programme detailing the charity's work at its Redshell Lane sanctuary, off Haslingden Old Road. Olive's grandson, Tommy Lomas, seven, and pal Jack Fay, also seven, will be the team's official mascots.

Then, on Sunday, the sanctuary will hold its annual Christmas fair, from 11am to 4pm, which includes a festive party for the animals.

Visitors are invited to take along tasty treats, like carrots and apples, for the animals so that they can join in the fun too.

There will be a range of bric-a-brac stalls, and two tombolas.

Mr Lomas said: "We haven't been able to get our Christmas letters out in time to our supporters this year but we still hope lots of people will come along and share the magic at the sanctuary."

Rob Heys, chief executive of Accrington Stanley, said: "We are really pleased to be able to help the charity on match day."