A Shropshire animal rescue charity which looks after unwanted and ill-treated donkeys has launched a fundraising plea to help care for its latest arrival.

Shropshire Donkey Rescue, in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, has recently come to the aid of Jack, an 11-month-old animal who has only got one eye.

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The charity, which was launched in April by Amanda Ball, from Highley, rescued Jack from a patch of wasteground in Coventry following a call from a concerned passer-by.

When Amanda, 29, went to visit him, she found Jack had lost an eye, had overgrown hooves and matted fur, was infested with lice and worms and was severely malnourished.

The vet’s bills to put him on the road to recovery are estimated to come to about £2,000 and the charity is now appealing for animal-loving members of the public to help cover the costs.

Amanda said Jack was close to death when she rescued him.

“I received a tip-off about Jack’s plight and managed to track down his owner, but she wouldn’t give him to me – I had to pay her £250 for him out of my own pocket,” she said.

“He’s a really friendly donkey who likes to follow me around the field for a nuzzle, but if I make a sudden move he leaps a mile which makes me think something bad has happened to him.

“I’m doing a lot of the work myself and paying for it out of my own pocket which is why we need the public’s help.”

Anyone who wants to help should call Amanda on 07975 516219. Alternatively, cheques should be made out to Shropshire Donkey Rescue Charity c/o Amanda Ball, 5 Severn Cottage, Severn Side, Highley, WV16 6NV.

By Jonathan Wood