大象传媒

June Brown, Dame Judi Dench and Martin Shaw are just three of the celebrity names who have pledged support for a North Derbyshire donkey sanctuary which is struggling to make ends meet.

Freshfields Donkey Village (officially known as the Michael Elliott Trust) based in the village of Peak Forest near Buxton, says with running costs climbing and visitor numbers dropping its future is threatened.

Dedicated: John and Annie Stirling

John and Annie Stirling, who have been running the centre for two decades, say they can't cope with the rise in bills and the rise in donkeys being abandoned by people who can no longer afford to keep them.

John told 大象传媒 Radio Derby's Aleena Naylor: "Everything from hay and feed bills have increased, but we've been hardest hit by our water bill which has increased from 拢150 to 拢399 a month.

"The worst thing is people are abandoning donkeys everywhere! There was one tied to our gate on Sunday morning, with a luggage note attached saying 'can't afford it'."

However, help is on the horizon from a host of celebrity patrons keen to see the work of the charity continue.听

Supporters: June Brown and Emilia Fox

Eastenders actress June Brown is organising a special event at the University of Derby's Buxton campus on Saturday 13th December which will see a herd of donkeys all stabled under the dome.听Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) is also said to be lending a helping hand.

Alongside the animals, a Christmas Fair will be staged under a circus big top with clowns, jugglers and high wire walkers.

Resident: Ellie

Both John and Annie have a background as performers and producers in theatre and have enlisted the help of many well known names such as Dame Judi Dench and Martin Shaw to support Freshfields.听

The centre in the High Peak is home to more than 40 animals - and also provides a holiday centre where children with special needs can choose a donkey to help take care of during their visit.

Invariably new friendships are formed, which proves to be of great therapeutic value to them both.

Over the years Freshfields has cared for more than 600 donkeys and is currently looking after 48 animals.