AN animal lover battling to save her rescue centre has to raise £28,000 in just five days if she is to escape eviction.

Linda Hill, of Hillfield Farm Animal Sanctuary in Bromsgrove, was given a temporary lifeline following an appeal in the Evening News.

A secret benefactor came forward to help Mrs Hill, who is struggling to keep her menagerie of 300 animals together - which includes a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, horses, cows, sheep, cockerels and pigs.

Mrs Hill said she was indebted to her supporters but fears that unless she finds the cash she will be forced to leave the sanctuary she started in 1994.

She claims her troubles started following separation from her husband, which has resulted in the farm and land making up part of the divorce settlement.

"I have been told an enforcement order will be issued next Wednesday unless I can find £28,000 - which just seems impossible," said Mrs Hill who is running the centre with her 22-year-old daughter Charlotte.

"I was so grateful to the person who helped us out following the last story but that single donation will not be enough to save us.

"It costs so much to keep all the animals together and during recent years we have been helped with charity donations and table-top sales.

"But we are now surviving on a shoestring and I don't see any way out.

"It's heartbreaking to think that I may have to split up all the animals - which have been rescued from sale to baiters or unsafe homes - and sell the farm."

If anyone can help, call the Evening News with your story and contact Mrs Hill on 0121 445 3828.