AN animal sanctuary has received two much needed donations ahead of its relocation.

A total sum of £6,000 was given to the Animal Sanctuary, currently based in Dorney for its cat and small animal neutering fund and improvements to animal housing.

Diana Coad, a trustee of the sanctuary, said: “Without donations like this we can’t continue. All donations make a massive difference.

"We have grown quite big now and we really need everyone to dig deep and support us. I can’t stress enough how grateful we are for these donations.”

The sanctuary will move to council owned land at Bell Farm Stables as its current home is under compulsory purchase for the widening of the M4.

There is still a lot of work to be done on the site before the sanctuary can be relocated as it is derelict and people flytip there.

Ms Coad added: “We need people to help with the work and we need people to get together and raise as much money as they can.”

Support Adoption For Pets donated £3,060 to the sanctuary to help replace existing rabbit hutches, chicken coops and cattery cages, with new state-of-the-art housing.

Amy Wilson, charity manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: “The Animal Sanctuary UK offer a fantastic service for abandoned animals throughout the local area, as well as providing vital work experience for members of the local community. We are privileged to support such a hard working organisation.”

A £3,000 grant was also received from the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust to ensure that all cats and small animals will be neutered before adoption.

To find out more about the charities or to support them, visit www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk, www.jeansainsburyanimalwelfare.co.uk and www.theanimalsanctuaryuk.org.uk