A BRISTOL photographer has become so charmed by the urban foxes he takes photographs of that he has set about trying to cure them of the mange which is causing them to die one by one.

Ian Wade, a graphic designer and wildlife photographer, lives in Cotham.

About seven months ago he started noticing the foxes in the area, and began photographing them.

The 35-year-old counted about eight of them in "pristine" condition, but over the months he says all but two of them have died from the skin disease mange.

"Usually the ethics of wildlife photography mean that you don't get involved if the animals get ill," he said. "But I thought they were worth trying to save.

"I decided to take a stand to try and make a difference. Most people in the neighbourhood love having them around, and despite some bad press recently, they can get on in the community."

Mr Wade contacted the wildlife rescue organisation Secret World, who put him in touch with some volunteers who have been helping him to try and catch one of the remaining foxes to treat him and then re-release him.

"We have been using a trap with some sausages in," he said. "But the fox is too cunning – he takes the sausage and then goes and sits on a wall, watching us."