An award-winning animal charity near Peterborough which provides a home for an array of animals has appealed for help amid a funding crisis.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, in Deeping St James, urgently needs funds to meet its running costs.

The charity has been hit by rising energy bills and an increase in the number of animals being donated - or, in some cases, abandoned - for its care.

Poor weather also took its toll on its Easter open day, with takings £2,000 down on what would be expected.

Founder Pam Mansfield (63), who in 2011 received an award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said: “It’s never been as bad as this. We work so hard to try to keep it going.

“Obviously we don’t want it to close. We are doing everything in our power but we don’t know if it will be enough.”

It costs about £60,000 a year to run the refuge.

In the past 15 years, Mrs Mansfield has ploughed thousands of her own money into the refuge to keep it running.

She said between £5,000 and £10,000 would see it through to the summer, when it is hoped warmer weather will drive larger takings at its fundraisers.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about what will happen to the animals if the refuge has to close," added Pam.

The charity’s next open day is May 19.

For more information visit http://www.exoticpetrefuge.org.uk/