AN animal-loving broadcasting celebrity is coming to the aid of the country's only sanctuary for unwanted reptiles, based in the North-East.

Wendy Turner Webster, of Channel Four's Pet Rescue, will kick off the Reptile Trust's latest fundraising effort when she launches its own lottery at the Milburngate Centre, in Durham City, on Saturday.

Ms Turner Webster, who cut the ribbon at the trust's visitor centre in July, will also open its new hospital unit, on Friday.

The trust celebrates the second anniversary of its premises in Burnopfield, County Durham, at the weekend.

Chief executive Peter Heathcote said it provides a home for up to 150 unwanted reptiles at any one time, on running costs of £81,000 per year.

"We are travelling the country picking up reptiles with only one vehicle. We hope to get another after Christmas, but we are finding it difficult to cope.

"Our big hope is that the lottery will bring our funding up to £91,000. That's what we need at the very least."

Mr Heathcote said the trust's main aim in the coming year is to open a second visitor centre and sanctuary, in Wales.

Ms Turner Webster will be at the Milburngate Centre, with some friendly reptiles, on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm