LAST September, you kindly printed an article about the Land Purchase Fund which I set up in aid of the "Only Foals and Horses" Sanctuary in Oswaldtwistle.

The aim was to raise one million 20 pences which would realise the £190,000 needed to buy the land.

The response from your readers was overwhelming - and continues to be so. Now, a year on from the start of the "One in a Million" appeal the fund has achieved an incredible £20,500 - the equivalent of 102,500 20 pences!

The position is now that the lease on the land has been extended to January 31, 2000. Mrs Lomas, who runs the Sanctuary, has received an offer of up to a 50pc low-interest repayment loan. Coupled with the fund this leaves a balance of £75,000 to be raised.

My sincere thanks to all who have made this possible. Please may I ask for your continued support.

I am indebited to the ladies of Animal Magic in the Market Hall for all they are doing for the cause with their collection boxes. Also, to Market News in the Market Hall and to Jane at Market Garden on the outdoor market - they also have boxes.

If anyone would like to contact me on 01254 671198 I look forward to hearing from you. Boxes have gone out to people whom I have not been able to get in touch with - but I will.

If anyone would like to donate - please make cheques payable to "OFAH Land Purchase Fund" and forward to myself at "Merewood", 7 Billinge Avenue, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 6SD.

Thank you.

Mrs Sylvia Soltau

Billinge Avenue

Blackburn

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.