GENEROUS support from Bolton Evening News readers has overwhelmed the heartbroken owners of Gus the horse -- who is still fighting for life after being set alight by arsonists.

Gus is still very ill and will possibly be blinded in his left eye after petrol was poured over him in his stable.

Kath Harris and Geoffrey McWilliams have owned the 26-year-old family horse since he was a foal.

As well as being a favourite with their 15-year-old daughter Laura, who used to ride him around the fields and lanes near their Cedar Avenue home, in Little Lever, Gus was also ridden by Radio One star Sara Cox when she was a girl.

The story has touched the hearts of Bolton Evening News readers who have inundated the owners with letters and phone calls offering help.

One animal lover, appalled at reading about the attack, has sent a cheque for £50 towards the costs of vet bills. Reiki healer Helen Walsh, aged 26, is also keen to visit the horse to see if she can help.

The Opera house, in Manchester, which is currently staging Carmen, about Rodrigo the Spanish stallion, has also offered to hold a collection.

Kath, aged 45, said: "The response has been fantastic. I want to thank everyone for being so concerned and for all their help, it's wonderful. It really does lift you when you feel so down and people make this sort of effort to offer help.

"We've received a few letters, one contained £5 and two others contained packets of mints for Gus.

"We had a phone call from a woman in York offering special skin cream and a woman came from Stockport with a card for a horse psychologist.

"Also, someone from the Opera House in Manchester has offered us two free tickets to see Carmen -- an opera about a horse -- and said he wants to organise a collection after the show for Gus, which is brilliant."

Helen, the Reiki healer, wants to attempt to help him using her "powers of life".

She said: "I've never treated a horse before, but Reiki works on all living things, from house plants to people. Gus sounds in a serious condition and I am concerned about his mental well-being, I just hope I can help."

Gus remains in a steady condition, but it is still unsure whether he will have to be put to sleep.