Stafford wildlife centre saved by Alan Carr's £90k

THE FUTURE of a Stafford wildlife centre has been secured for years to come following a TV star's donation of almost £90,000.

Comedian Alan Carr donated the cash to The British Wildlife Rescue Centre after he won it on Channel 4 show, The Million Pound Drop.

Boss Alf Hardy today said the money had come at a vital time and it would be spent on revamping the site.

He said it no longer meant he had to worry about the long-term future of the centre, which is based at Amerton Farm off the A518 near Stafford, heading out towards Uttoxeter.

"I'm not saying we were flush, I'll put it that way," Mr Hardy said today. "It's nice to be able to look ahead and not have to worry. The donation was very timely, I could put it that way.

"We have been short once or twice, but have always managed. We were quite short one year in particular, but not this year."

The donation is now set to be spent on new aviaries, resurfaced pathways, solar panels and a new drainage system.

Staff are also planning to go and see the 36-year-old comedian when he is next on the road. "We're hoping to all go and see Alan during his next tour, probably at the NEC," said Mr Hardy. "We are extremely grateful for what he has done for us."

The British Wildlife Rescue Centre was set up as an extension of Stafford Wild Bird and Animal Rescue and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

When Carr appeared on The Million Pound Drop, in March, with fellow celebrity contestant Melanie Sykes, he said: "It's a small charity that solely relies on volunteers and donations and it'll be nice to help them out. They help all kinds of animals."

He donated a total of £87,500.