ANIMAL refuge staff believe they have found the region's unluckiest rabbit.

Last Christmas, Double Brandy was left on the doorstep of a veterinary practice in a box.

But far from being starved and in need of a good feed, she weighed a massive 6.3kg and had to go on a diet.

Now staff at Bunny Burrows, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, have found out the New Zealand red-cross has a rare disease called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

The condition means the rabbit's skin is very fragile and wounds can take a long time to heal. Sanctuary manager Gwen Butler said: "She has been very unlucky. When she first arrived, I thought she just hated being touched, but now I realise being handled must have been painful for her, although she is still a happy bunny, and it probably bothers me more than it bothers her."

A fair and fun day to raise money for the treatment of Double Brandy and other rabbits at Bunny Burrows will be held in Richmond Market Hall from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

As well as craft and pet product stalls, rabbits and guinea pigs from the refuge will be there.