The devastated co-founder of Dorney Animal Sanctuary is determined not to be defeated by the collapse of plans to move to a better site in nearby Eton Wick.

The charity had been due to move from its waterlogged site at Lake End Road, Dorney to land owned by the Royal Borough at Bell Farm Stables in Eton Wick - an agreement reached two years ago after a public meeting in the village showed support for the idea.

Royal Borough councillor Samantha Rayner, who represents Eton Wick, has been a keen supporter of the move.

But a terse statement from the Royal Borough at the end of September revealed that the council had terminated the agreement, stating: "The charity was unfortunately unable to comply with the terms of the lease to carry out works within an agreed timescale, to make the property weathertight and safe for animals and people.

"We wish them well in their future activities."

This came as a major blow to the charity, which has undergone a rough few months. Heavy rain saturated its current premises early in the summer, while a social media 'hate' campaign claiming the animals were not properly looked after saw co-founder Sara Ross invite members of the public in to see for themselves.

This week she said she was sad about the collapse of the planned move.

She said: "It has hit us like a sledgehammer.

"We were looking forward to being part of the community of Eton Wick."

She said that the charity had spent money carrying out work on the proposed Eton Wick site to get it ready.

"We have spent money on the perimeter fencing, water and electricity and were about to start building work on the barn there."

She said the charity would continue to look for other sites and would be having a fundraising Christmas fair at Eton Wick Village Hall on Saturday, November 26.