Barby thanks her crew

They are her "motley crew" - the band of volunteers who help local hero Barby Keel run her sanctuary for rescued birds and animals.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Nov 2008, 11:28 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:04 BST

Now Barby wants to thank them for their efforts during Christmas Weekend at the charity shop in St Leonards Road which raised 1,281.

Barby herself is recovering from a breast cancer operation and begins radiotherapy on Tuesday, but made the trip from Freezeland Lane on Sunday to sell raffle tickets and draw winning numbers.

"Thank you to my motley crew," she said to the Observer.

"They worked so hard '“ and it was such grotty weather. This is brilliant...I really am so grateful to all the people that come out in that weather.

"My motley crew worked so hard '“ I didn't do anything. I just sat there and sold raffle tickets, and they worked so hard. I am so chuffed with them - they are terrific."

Observer