Comedy writer Carla Lane is turning her hand to penning songs in her latest fund-raising effort for her struggling animal welfare centre.

The TV scriptwriter, whose hits include Bread and The Liver Birds, owns the Animaline Centre at Broadhurst Manor, Horsted Keynes.

But she says annual costs of £250,000 have put a huge drain on resources and left the unique facility on the verge of collapse.

Ms Lane needs to raise £500,000 to keep the centre going for the next two years.

As part of the fund-raising drive, she has penned a song, The Other Children, which she hopes to release as a single later in the year.

Burgess Hill songsmith Ashley Bruce, who met Carla when he was suffering from a brain haemorrhage, is adding his help with a song called Put A Smile Back On The Face Of The World.

Ms Lane said she was also hoping for a business, or wealthy benefactor, to sponsor the centre, which employs 12 staff and is home to almost 800 animals.

She said: "What started as a pleasure has become a nightmare. No matter how much wonderful support I get from people, such as dear old ladies sending in a fiver, I cannot survive on that alone.

"It would be nice if there was somebody out there who was looking for a very good cause to invest in."

"I don't want to end up here like Mrs Haversham with cobwebs all over me waiting for the odd penny to come through the post."

Mr Bruce said: "When I was ill three years ago, Carla gave me a lot of support and since then I have become involved in the centre.

"Carla is trying to provide a unique animal service in Sussex and I think it is a cause well worth supporting."

Animaline has its own veterinary surgery and houses everything from pigeons to donkeys.

To support Animaline, send donations to the Animaline Appeal 2003, Broadhurst Manor, Broadhurst Manor Road, or ring 01342 810596.