AN open day to raise desperately-needed funds for the Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre has been cancelled after areas around the Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve were flooded.

The event was due to take place on Sunday, September 17, with attractions including live music, facepainting, competitions, and an opportunity to see some of the animals currently being treated at the centre.

Rob Thompson, the charity’s chair of trustees, apologised for the cancellation.

He said: “We are deeply sorry to have to cancel the event while at the same time having even more concerns with the income needed by the Oak and Furrows team because of the vast numbers of wildlife needing aid and treatment in the past year.

“With 5,300 such patients, it has been the greatest challenge ever for the staff and volunteers who give their all to help save our wildlife.

“The decision was totally appropriate, our site is surrounded by flood water, very muddy areas, and it’s causing a massive problem.

“The staff will not allow visitors until the water drains away.”

The charity is now looking forward to their next big event, which is being held next month.

Rob added: “We hope that people will consider our big night of food, music and fun at the De Vere Hotel in the Cotswold Water Park on Friday October 27.

“We hope to beat the £8,500 we raised at a similar event earlier this year and we have a fantastic programme for everyone”.

To order tickets for the event at £40 per person, people can contact Chrissy Ball on 01793 751412.