A leading Sussex wildlife rescue service has launched an appeal to raise £8,000 for a new hospital.

The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) has launched the appeal to create a new animal treatment centre at Telscombe Cliffs, as well as improving its holding unit at Stone Cross.

It is hoped the units will have new sheds, aviaries, new cages, heating, lighting, storage space, washing and treatment facilities.

WRAS rescuers provide cover across the coastal strip from Hastings to Brighton and have gone as far as Dungeness and Chichester.

The new hospital would be built at rescue service member Lindy King's home.

Lindy has a long history of working as an animal technician nurse and practice manager in veterinary centres and zoos.

She has been treating animal casualties in her home since 1998, when she joined WRAS.

Many of the animals are treated in her spare room, which is why the charity's leaders decided it was time to improve facilities and launch the appeal.

Trevor Weeks, WRAS rescue co-ordinator, started rescue work 18 years ago and he said that at that time, there were individuals with in-house treatment facilities at Hastings, Bexhill, two in Eastbourne, one in Peacehaven and three in Brighton.

Now there is just the RSPCA centre at Mallydams Wood in Hastings, its own holding centre at Stone Cross and Lindy's facilities at Telscombe Cliffs.

The organisation is also appealing for people who can build sheds and help with wiring the electrics.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can either send a cheque payable to East Sussex WRAS at WRAS, 49 Station Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BN or telephone 01323 442198.