STAFF at the Vale Wildlife Centre are appealing for the public’s help to get a slice of grant money, that could help them improve their facilities.

Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, near Beckford that opened in June 1984, rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned British wildlife.

But due to the current lack of suitable facilities at the hospital, staff are forced to relocate otter cubs found locally and require ongoing care, to other centres across the country to ensure that they receive the best treatment.

Lansdown Insurance Brokers has created the Lansdown Giving Campaign, a new charity initiative for 2019, with Vale Wildlife Hospital announced as one of nine finalists. A total of £10,000 will go to the finalist with the most votes, with a further £5,000 split out between the others.

Caroline Gould, the charity founder said: “Running costs of £40,000 per month make fundraising for projects a huge challenge, and we are so excited to be given this opportunity to improve our facilities, which will enable us to keep our wildlife local, and improve welfare standards by reducing the need for transporting over large distances. Please vote for us."

To vote before the deadline, 5pm on January 31, visit www.lansdowninsurance.com/giving.