THE new boss of an animal sanctuary is calling on volunteers to help raise money to secure its future.

Only Foals and Horses, based in Oswaldtwistle, has appointed its first operations manager as it looks to continue to help horses, ponies and donkeys in the area.

This comes as the charity launches its 'Olive Lomas Memorial Appeal' looking to raise £250,000 in the next year to secure its future.

The appeal is named after the sanctuary's founder, who died age 86 in 2013.

The sanctuary has been running for 30 years in East Lancashire but has been fighting to survive and recruit new trustees since Olive's death.

However operations manager Tess Scott-Adams, who joined from Blue Cross Re-homing Centre in Rolleston, Derbyshire, is looking forward to being at the forefront of the charity's fundraising.

She said: "Once I had visited the sanctuary, and met with some of the committed and enthusiastic staff and volunteers who were against all odds trying to care as best they can for the horses that Olive Lomas lived and died for, I wanted to help.

"I am excited about all the improvements we can bring about.

"I genuinely believe that not only can we continue helping horses and donkeys in need, but together we can become part of the wider community, supporting vulnerable adults and children with the help of these special animals."

The new manager, who started her new role on Monday, will supervise day to day activities after she established herself in senior roles over the years for animal charities in the UK and abroad.

The charity is looking to raise money to lay new water pipes to improve supply to the stables, improve toilet and washroom facilities and provide facilities for the disabled.

A new boiler is also needed to supply hot water and heat and funds are wanted to help repair the access road.

To help with the appeal West End Methodist Church in Accrington is holding a service of dedication for Olive Lomas on Sunday, December 10, at 10.30am.

The charity is home to 72 horses and 2 donkeys which have been rescued and also has a running cost of £20,000 from its home in Redshell Lane off Haslingden Old Road.

Chairman of the charity’s trustees, Stewart Mackay, said: "It is a big challenge but with Tess’s help we think it’s achievable.

"She was moved by the story of Olive Lomas and the difficult times that the sanctuary has faced since her death, and felt this was a challenge that she couldn’t walk away from.

"We are relieved that she chose us to benefit from her wealth of experience in equine care and welfare.”

To donate visit onlyfoalsandhorses.org.uk.