A former nurse who converted her family home into a rabbit sanctuary needs bunny lovers to help raise money to complete an extension.

Over the years the number of rabbits under the care of Sonya and Jim McDonough has spiralled from one family pet to 60 animals that have been cruelly treated, unwanted or abandoned.

Builders started work on a £2,000 extension in November at their home in Heaton, Bradford, but £1,000 is now needed to complete it.

"We can't take in any more bunnies but the building will mean there are better cleaning and storage facilities for them. Right now I bath the bunnies in the kitchen sink!" said Mrs McDonough, a mother-of-three.

Filling all corners of their semi-detached home are the 60 rabbits, three guinea pigs, a wild hare, three cats and a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Most of the rabbits live in hutches in the garage and the lawn has been paved to accommodate the overflow of unwanted pets.

It all started when a family friend asked if they would mind taking their rabbit from them.

"Our children had one so we didn't mind but in no time we had ten.

"We realised there was a massive demand for a home so five-and-a-half years ago we official opened the Bunny Camp sanctuary," said Mrs McDonough.

The couple manage the sanctuary full-time, with the administration done by their colleague Jane Cowan.

They take in rabbit boarders when owners go on holiday and run a sponsorship scheme for those interested in supporting a sick animal.

Rabbits stay at the sanctuary for anything between one week and 18 months, depending on their health, colour and temperament.

And running costs are met through sponsorship or donations.

In an average week, the rabbits go through two bales of hay, ten sacks of wood shavings, 12 kilos of feed, ten kilos of carrots, six packs of celery, ten cabbages, 12 packs of broccoli and a few apples as treats.

Tomorrow, an open day will be held at the sanctuary at 4, Stoney Ridge Avenue, Heaton, between 10am and 4pm, to raise money towards the extension.

Visitors can see the rabbits and get first-hand information about the animals.

Mrs McDonough added: "We need to rehouse some of the bunnies too. I have at least 20 to collect from homes and the RSPCA but there's just no room for them at the moment."

For details telephone (01274) 821665.