WILDLIFE rescue centre Oak and Furrows is to stage its second major fundraising night of food, music and fun this year.

The event is being put on to meet huge increases in cost arising from the care of more than 5,000 birds and animals at the Blakehill reserve in just over one year.

The charity, which was created 23 years ago by Serena Stevens, has seen outgoings rise to £130,000 during that time, with staff and volunteers working long hours, on many occasions well into the night.

“There is a crisis; we desperately need funds for treatment, food, equipment and payment of staff and volunteers,” said Oak and Furrows trustees chairman Robin Thompson.

“There are many occasions when the staff work immensely long hours with little overcome, caused totally by the immense challenges facing this quite amazing organisation, which saves thousands of animals from foxes and deer to otters and peregrine falcons. The list is endless.”

The event, on Friday, October 27, will feature the Sapphires quartet, which drew acclaim at their first Oak and Furrows event in March, Cirencester’s lookalike and soundalike Elvis Presley Eren Emir, and musician, singer Andy Hughes.

The compere will be Mark Cummings, BBC Radio Gloucestershire morning presenter.

An extensive buffet dinner will be included in the £40 per person ticket price.

Bookings can be arranged now, by calling Oak and Furrows on 01793 751412 or emailing info@oandf.co.uk