A VOLUNTEER at a rescue centre has defended his involvement with the charity despite being banned from working with animals.

Nick Wilburn works at Nick’s Ark in Oxford Street, which recently opened its doors to take care of sick, injured or neglected exotic animals in Bolton.

But the 26-year-old, who lives in Little Hulton, was banned last year after he was convicted for using a DIY medication on a cat, which led to its wounds becoming infected.

However, Mr Wilburn said: “It was discussed in court that I can be working with animals under supervision.

“I am always under supervision here with the chairman and five or six volunteers. I never work unsupervised with any of the animals.”

Mr Wilburn was banned for three years after appearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court in November.

He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a cat by the inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of its infected injuries, including passing that treatment on with advice on its use, between September 24 and October 2, 2015.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA would have serious concerns if someone was allegedly working with animals, breaching the conditions of any ban that may be imposed.

"The courts don’t issue animal bans lightly and only do so in circumstances where they believe it is in the interests of animal welfare.

"We will further investigate the information provided to us.

"Anyone who has information about someone who may have breached their ban on keeping or working with animals is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999."

Nick's Ark, formerly MagnaRep, is run entirely by volunteers and already houses lizards, snakes and tortoises that have been maltreated by previous owners.

It is due to hold its official launch on Monday and it will take in animals ranging from reptiles to tropical fish.

It also has a hospital towards the back of the premises where animals are treated.

The new Nick's Ark sign will replace the current MagnaRep sign on the front of the centre before Monday's launch.