HUNGRY horses are landing an animal sanctuary with a huge food bill, prompting an urgent call for help.

The four-legged residents at Ramshaw Rescue, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, munch their way through £150 worth of hay every week on top of home-grown hayledge and other tasty morsels.

From shire cross Trooper, which measures more than 18 hands, down to ten-year-old miniature Shetland Fergus, they all have a hearty appetite, especially in the biting winter cold.

Centre owner Kate Wilson is desperate for donations of money and food to meet the rising costs.

She said: "We are getting through 15 round bales a week and they cost £10. The food bill is astronomical.

"If anyone has any spare hay of whatever quality we would be really grateful.

"Some of the horses are retired, some have had a hard time, and the winter is the most expensive time.

"They need a lot of food to get them through to the spring."

The centre is also appealing for old duvets to use as bedding for its dogs.

Barclays, on Teesside, recently made a £500 donation.

Telephone Ms Wilson on (01388) 834644.