KINDHEARTED Advertiser/Messenger readers have inundated our appeal to help dozens of rescue animals at a Bromsgrove sanctuary after a blaze destroyed fundraising stock at its shop.

The Farm Animal Sanctuary, in Stoney Lane, had all stock at its charity shop, in New Road, Rubery, ruined or smoke damaged after a fire outside on Sunday, July 2, gutted its backroom. Cash raised from the shop is used to feed and care for the animals.

Since we launched a campaign to collect donations for the group we have been overwhelmed with bags of clothes and money donations at our High Street offices. Cheques included a £200 donation from the mother of Ian Hickton, who died a month before his 34th birthday this year. He told his mum, from Stoke Heath, if anything happened to him, as a vegetarian, he wanted money to go to animals. Sanctuary co-founder Maureen Lawless said: "We've had a really good response to the appeal with lots of people ringing us to help out. It has been lovely to know that there are so many nice people out there.

"We still need any donations as it is a crucial time of year."

Maureen said she thought it would be at least six weeks before anything happened with the shop as the ceiling had fallen down, plaster had come off and the electrics had been melted. She has also written to the sanctuary's patron Joanna Lumley informing her of the fire.

Farm Animal Sanctuary rescues sick and abused farm animals and gives them veterinary care and a permanent home. Donations can be dropped off at the sanctuary in Stoney Lane or at the Advertiser/Messenger offices at 5 High Street, Bromsgrove. Items can also be collected by calling Maureen on 01527 870613.