A BOLTON welder proved he was not exclusively a man of iron by turning his back garden into a round the clock sanctuary for wild animals.

Mel Crossley and girlfriend Catherine Harrison turned to the 'wild life' about 18 months ago, four years after a first attempt failed due to a lack of finance.

Now, thanks to a new membership scheme there is a constant buzz of activity behind their home on Churchill Drive, Little Lever, where hundreds of "casualties" are treated around the clock.

The Village Wild Animal Hospital is a free, voluntary service relying on donations or membership fees which cost £6 per year, or £3 for under 17s and pensioners. Members receive newsletters about the hospital's progress and that of its casualties, a membership card, factsheets and competitions. Mel works as a welder from 8am to 5pm, during which time Catherine watches over the hospital. She then works from 5pm to 9pm, when Mel takes control.

Last year the hundreds of casualties cared for included frogs, moles, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, ducks, geese, hedgehogs and all manner of birds. At the moment among the variety in their care, they are housing almost 30 hedgehogs until spring - which alone eat 50 to 60 tins of cat food per week.

Referrals come in at all hours of the day or night, from members of the public, vets, the police and the RSPCA.

Mel said: "We really do need support from members of the public and local businesses. Unlike much bigger organisations we rely entirely on our membership scheme and donations, be it materials to build aviaries, equipment, towels, blankets and newspapers among many other things.

"In addition we need money to enable us to carry on our work treating, caring for, re-habilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. "The local council refused to offer support saying that we do not benefit the public, yet we are open 24 hours a day.

"The Hospital is in the grounds of our house and is entirely a free and voluntary service. Yet we have to find vets' fees, food, heating, lighting, medicines and medical equipment.

"I know that this is a million miles away from welding but it is something that is worthwhile. For further information about the hospital write to Mel at The Village Wild Animal Hospital, 56 Churchill Drive, Little Lever, Bolton BL3 1PG, or telephone 01204 709144.

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