A FAIR OAK animal haven that faced possible closure because of a cash crisis has been inundated with offers of help after its plight was highlighted in the Daily Echo.

The good news of a big improvement in its finances came last night at the annual meeting of St Francis Animal Welfare.

Just months ago the writing seemed to be on the wall for the shelter, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and has given refuge to thousands of homeless animals.

Last summer the shelter's manager, Ann Hillman, had warned that if there was not a dramatic turnaround in its financial fortunes, it might have to close within the next two to three years.

It costs at least £125,000 a year to run the shelter and that includes vets' fees of between £1,000 and £1,4000 a month and a food bill of about £800 a month.

However, Daily Echo stories about the shelter's financial plight brought an immediate response from animal lovers, who bombarded the centre with cash and pet food donations.

Members were told that the publicity had given a great boost to the shelter's finances and morale.

Last night the chairman of St Francis Animal Welfare, Dave Whitmore said: "This has been a difficult year but it is not all doom and gloom.

"Following several articles in the local press highlighting our cause, we have received lots of new offers of help and donations have been coming in steadily.

"We are extremely fortunate to have a committed team of people working to ensure there will be a future for the shelter."

In his annual report, he added: "Hopefully we have turned the corner and can focus positively on the future."

Following the media coverage there had been a tremendous surge in publicity, with membership going up from 225 to 300.

However, from next January the annul membership fee is set to rise from £5 to £10. Members were told that extra revenue was needed to cover running costs.

As well as giving shelter to homeless animals, St Francis Animal Welfare is also a rehoming centre.

Over the years it has found good homes for countless animals.