THE country's only reptile rescue charity has stopped admitting animals to its sanctuary because of a cash crisis.

Based in County Durham, the Reptile Trust has made its education officer redundant and its seven staff have received no pay for two months as it struggles to avoid closure.

The four-year-old charity, at Burnopfield, near Stanley, takes in abandoned reptiles, including lizards, alligators and snakes, and finds them new homes.

Reptiles became popular as pets for a few years but many were abandoned by owners unable or unwilling to look after them.

Chief executive Peter Heathcote blamed the charity's problems on an increasing demand for its services, rising costs, and a fall in donations because of people's aversion to reptiles.

He said: "Our insurance has risen by 1,000 per cent to about £4,000 in the last year and it is being blamed on September 11. It's not just us, it's all the animal sanctuaries. How does September 11 affect keeping reptiles?

"We are treading water and losing the battle a bit. We put emergency plans in place and cut every expenditure we could.''

The charity needs to raise about £100,000 a year to keep running and £5,000 to stabilise its situation.

Mr Heathcote said fund-raising was difficult because people did not like reptiles and some companies would not allow its collectors in their stores.

He said: "We have put in nearly 600 grant applications and nearly all have been rejected.

"Ninety per cent of the people we ask to give a donation refuse. Some are amazed we are raising money for reptiles.''

The charity has 100 animals on its books, including gekkos and a boa constrictor, but will not take any more for the foreseeable future.

Many of the animals are sick or injured and will continue to receive treatment at its clinic, which will take private clients as usual.

Ironically, charity curator Stuart Dodsworth is among three shortlisted candidates for the BBC Animal Awards.

Mr Heatchote said: "It is a frightening situation. Losing John Grundy, our education officer, was heartbreaking.

"All the schools he visits, all the children who benefit from it, and there was no way of keeping him.''

Anyone who can help the charity should call (01207) 272766.