WILDLIFE lovers are being asked to donate special hampers that could help treat sick or injured animals.

The South West Swan Sanctuary and the Swindon Council ranger service work together to save wildlife on local nature reserves.

The partnership is appealing for people to make special wildlife hampers made up of essential items.

All that is needed to make a hamper is a small cardboard box filled with things like jar lids, dried or tinned cat food, tissues, jars of honey, tweezers, cotton wool, Vaseline, old tea towels or cloth scraps, red light bulbs and UHT goats milk.

All are useful in restoring the health of injured and sick animals, as well as comforting and reassuring them.

The South West Swan Sanctuary releases many of its rescued animals, which range from hedgehogs to swans, on reserves like Coate Water, Stanton Park, Barbury Castle and Seven Fields.

Last year, it rescued more than 500 birds, including 180 Swans.

It costs on average of £6 per day in food, time and resources to care for a rescued animal. Donors should clearly write your names and addresses on boxes if they wish to receive a certificate of thanks.

Boxes should be taken to the Coate Water Rangers Cottage, Marlboro-ugh Road, Swindon.