A local animal sanctuary is appealing for volunteers and trustees to help them 'relieve the suffering' of abandoned and neglected horses, ponies, donkeys and foals.

Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary in Oswaldtwistle began 60 years ago with a donkey called Maudie.

She was the first of hundreds of equines to be saved from slaughter and destitution in the lifetime of their founder, Olive Lomas.

Originally working as the Animal Welfare Liaison Network, Olive acquired Redshell Farm in 1994.

A year later, the script-writer of one of the best-loved television series of all time agreed to let her use the title, and her charity became Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary. ​

Their website says: "At Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary, we believe that every horse deserves a chance to thrive.

"That's why we provide a welcoming and supportive environment for animals that have been neglected, abused, or abandoned.

"Our staff is made up of experienced and compassionate individuals who are committed to the well-being of all our equine residents.

"We take pride in providing each animal with personalized care to help them grow and thrive."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Until Olive's death aged 86 in 2013, she raised hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of donations and legacies just by telling people what she had witnessed at auctions, and through her letters and petitions. ​

Olive's daughter said: “Mum could identify individual horses by their sounds and movements so accurately, she would always know which stall or stable to go to if there was unrest during the night."

Dedicated staff at the sanctuary are looking for volunteers and donations, to be able to continue in her memory, by taking in equines in need and give them the life they deserve.

In the past, the sanctuary has put on events to help them raise money for the care of the animals, including a 'Halloween Open Day', 'Tack and Table Top Sale' and a dog show.

To find out more about how you can help the sanctuary, visit their website.