THE region's only hedgehog sanctuary is facing closure because of a lack of funding.

Lynne Appleby has run the Hog Haven sanctuary at her home in West Dyke Road, Redcar, for 15 years and cared for 1,500 hedgehogs, which have been either injured, ill, orphaned or abused.

They have been taken to her from all over the North-East and as far away as Stratford-upon-Avon.

But now, the 51-year-old is running out of cash and fears the sanctuary may have to close.

Miss Appleby, who is unable to work due to a heart condition and only gets help from her 81-year-old mother, has used her personal savings to fund the sanctuary, which costs £4,000 a year to run. But the former stage school manager has just over £1,000 left.

"The sanctuary is my life and I'll fight to the bitter end to keep it open, but it's becoming more and more difficult," she said.

"This summer has been very busy and I have 25 babies alone to look after, all needing hourly feeds."

Miss Appleby has been shocked by the cruelty inflicted on hedgehogs brought to her, including some that have been tied to firework rockets, set alight with cigarette lighters and thrown in the path of moving cars.

"I think they're worse off than other animals because they roll up into balls," she said.

Anyone who can help with donations is asked to ring (01642) 484920.

Miss Appleby would also appreciate donations of chicken-based cat food and kitten food, along with kitchen roll, cotton wool buds and disinfectant. "Just one tin of cat food, or a 50p coin, would help," she said.