The founder of an animal rescue centre has said he is concerned about the limited resources they have left.

Trevor Weeks, founder and operations director for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS), said the team needs help to be able to cope throughout spring and summer.

He said that the rescue service, based in Whitesmith, Lewes, experienced an 18 per cent increase in the number of casualties and handled almost 6000 last year, which is its "busiest year on record".

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Trevor said that more than half of the mammals they treated were on the vulnerable conservation list.

He also said that the increase in rescues meant that they had "strained" their resources.

Trevor said: "This surge strained all our resources to the maximum, coinciding with a decrease in our fundraising income. Regrettably, we anticipate similar challenges for 2024.

"At WRAS, we are once again preparing for a rise in casualties during the upcoming months. We are already rescuing fledglings being blown out of trees and have taken in an orphaned badger cub.

"If the trend of increases continues as it did last year, our already limited resources will face even greater pressure.

"To maintain our top-notch wildlife rescue service, we will need to raise an additional £34,000 to support the extra dedicated staff required for the spring and summer period.

"After a long and wet winter, everyone at WRAS is eagerly anticipating the warmer spring and summer days, despite the challenges we face."

An appeal has been made by the rescue centre for donations.

More information can be found at https://wildlifeambulance.org/donate/summer-staff-appeal/.

People have been asked to donate £5 each if they can to contribute to the fundraising goal.

This will help make sure there are enough staff and resources available for the upcoming summer season which can see up to 1,000 casualties a month.

Some of the latest animals in the rescue service's care include foxes found at a hotel in Brighton and orphaned ducklings.

Birds and badgers are also currently being cared for at the centre.