A KEIGHLEY-based small animal rescue group is urging people to support its efforts to save and care for abandoned and unwanted creatures.

Furever Loved Small Animal Rescue was set up just over a year ago by Beechcliffe residents Julie Kelly and Angela McIver.

The group takes in and looks after a variety of animals, including guinea pigs, cats, budgies, hamsters, rabbits and different types of reptile.

It has a network of foster carers in and around Keighley who offer these animals safe and loving homes.

But Ms Kelly said the high level of demand on the rescue's services has led to it having to temporarily cease accepting new animals in need.

"Some of the animals we get come to us in a very poor condition," she added.

"We have to pay for vets bills and our average vet bill at the moment is £600 to £700 a month.

"There's also the cost of items such as toys, treats, food and bedding for the animals. It all adds up.

"We work hard to raise our own funds – we don't just ask for donations – and we run raffles and online auctions.

"Without people's support we wouldn't be able to do anything for these animals.

"We have 20 to 30 animals with our foster carers at any one time. Last year we took in over 100 animals."

Ms Kelly explained some of these pets have been abandoned, while others are given up by their owners who can no longer look after them due to their personal circumstances.

She added the group would welcome more volunteers willing to foster animals, especially people able to accommodate rabbits.

A supporter called Sharon Dawson has arranged a family fun day for the group at Horsforth Hall Park Cricket Club.

This takes place from noon on April 16 and will include craft stalls, tombola, a bouncy castle and games.

Anyone prepared to serve as a foster carer should e-mail fureverloved@outlook.com or contact the rescue via its own Facebook page.

People can also visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fureverloved to donate towards the rescue.