Wildlife hospital's funding plea

Brent Lodge runs an "adopt-a-creature" scheme

A bird and wildlife hospital based in West Sussex has made a desperate plea for donations to prevent it having to close down this summer.

Brent Lodge, located at Sidlesham, near Chichester, has cared for injured wild birds and small mammals since 1978.

The charity takes about 3,000 patients a year from a wide area covering Portsmouth, Midhurst and Worthing.

Founder Dennis Fenter said: "I just hope people will be able to rally round to help us before it is too late."

Brent Lodge relies entirely upon voluntary help and donations, but trustees have said the hospital could shut within weeks unless there is a funding boost.

Emergency meeting

A charity shop in Selsey brings in about £3,000 a month, but that is less than a third of the total amount needed.

Mr Fenter said: "We have been successful at raising funds for specific projects, but the running costs are crippling us.

"Unfortunately we have used up our reserves and we can't carry on like this any longer, so we have been forced to face up to possible closure."

Hospital improvement projects have been put on hold and some staff members have left because of the financial strain.

An emergency fund-raising meeting is now planned for 28 July.