A CHARITY that cares for sick and injured wildlife at its reserve close to Cricklade will stage a major fund raising day during Cirencester's Bishops Walk shopping arcade Christmas festivities on December 5.

Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre, founded in 1994 and newly situated at Blakehill Nature Reserve, hopes to raise significant funds for equipment and materials to further promote its vital work during the event at the shopping centre, which is off Cricklade Street.

One major item required is a microscope with 400x magnification to allow the seven strong work team and the charity´s volunteers to accurately analyse samples from ill animals and to treat those suffering from specific parasites.

At present the charity uses a blanket-style treatment, which it considers ineffective ,unnecessary and expensive.

Cash raised at the event will fund the production of newsletters and leaflets as well as developing its Blakehill site further.