ANIMAL lovers are being urged to adopt a pony and help an animal sanctuary survive!

The Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary, Oswaldtwistle, is facing the mammoth task of trying to raise £200,000 to buy the premises.

They have been renting the plot since February last year and now the stables are home to more than 70 ponies which are either very old or very young.

But now their landlord has decided to sell the land and organisers are desperate for people to help them raise money to ensure that the sanctuary survives.

"We've now reached the time of year when people begin holding sponsored events outside," said sanctuary coordinator Olive Lomas.

"Our supporters have so far planned a sponsored slim, sponsored swim, and a jumble sale but we are desperate for more help.

"We are trying to find people who will adopt ponies and are looking for 2,000 guardian angels who will donate £100 for a lifetime's adoption or 20,000 angels to donate £10 to adopt a pony for a year.

"People who adopt will receive a certificate and photograph and can visit any time. We have four people who have adopted so far but it's very slow.

"So many people have put so much time into helping to improve the stables and our landlord is giving us the first option but we do need to raise the money quickly."

Anybody who would like to help or find out more about the sanctuary should contact Olive on 01254 235559. The stables are open daily from 1pm to 4pm.

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