With horses at the front of people's minds in the build-up to tomorrow's Grand National, a horse sanctuary is taking the opportunity to renew its appeal for help.

Roleystone in Westfield Lane, Wrose, is attempting to overcome some mighty hurdles of its own, one of which - the task of raising £100,000 - is perhaps more daunting than the Beecher's Brook fence at Aintree Racecourse.

The sanctuary takes in horses and ponies, usually ill-treated, old or abandoned, and looks after them for the rest of their natural lives.

"With the Grand National, a lot of people's minds will be on horses, but possibly to make money for themselves," said Trevor Williams-Berry, the sanctuary's chairman.

"We, on the other hand, look after horses when they have been let down or have finished their work. It costs a lot of money to keep this place going and, with the Grand National, we hope people will think of us and from their winnings, hopefully pass on a few pounds."

The sanctuary is home to several horses with a racing background, not least Bamby, whose mother was a thoroughbred descended from Gregalach, the 100-1 Grand National winner in 1929.

A total of 20 horses are cared for at the sanctuary. Food for one horse costs £40 a week.

The sanctuary is keen to improve its facilities and encourage more visitors. The plans would see £10,000 spent on a roadway and flagging to overcome problems caused by muddy and boggy conditions.

A further £15,000 could be spent on a roof for the stables, while £25,000 would fund an all-weather exercise area.

The sanctuary is run with the help of volunteers, including four children.

Danielle Booth, 13, said: "It's great fun. We come in the morning quite early and muck out the stables."

Jenny O'Brien, 12, said: "After we brush them, sometimes we take them on a walk. We really enjoy it."

Donations of cash, horse feed, straw and items that can be raffled are welcome. Anyone who can help should call Dianne French on 07789 247209.