EVERY day is another stuggle for 73 year-old Olive Lomas desperately trying to keep her beloved horses alive and well during the harsh winter months.

The 73 ponies, horses and foals all live at an animal sanctuary called Only Foals and Horses in Oswaldtwistle.

The sanctuary was opened seven years, is run by Olive and a handful of volunteers, and is a favourite venue for animal-lovers from the Bolton area.

It provides plenty of feed and a safe place for the unwanted or neglected horses to live. But now, they are facing a bleak winter, and running out of protein feed is becoming the sanctuary's biggest worry.

"The sanctuary spends £1,000 a week to feed the animals," says Olive. "This figure increases during the winter months when the animals are kept in the stables out of the cold.

"The current dreadful weather means we have to keep the rest of the more lively ponies inside."

To feed the horses, the sanctuary uses a round bulky type of bail which cost around £17 to £23 each.

This is vital for the weaker and less active horses as it contains more protein than other types, and eight bails a week is needed.

The horses also need bucket feeds which contain bran and sugar beet and the sanctuary mixes its own to reduce costs.

The appeal is happy to receive other vital day-to-day items like large buckets, head collars and grooming brushes. Supporters in the Bolton area are being asked to organise their own fundraising event to help the sanctuary. "The more feed we can buy in," added Olive, "the more secure we feel." Anyone who can help can send donations to: Only Foals and Horses, Redshell Stables, Redshell Lane, off Haslingden Old Road, Oswaldtwistle BB5 3RW. Ring for more details on 01254-235559.