OWLS rescued from cruel living conditions across the country face a bleak future after a plea for help failed to attract any sponsors.

Avon Owls, a family-owned non-profit rescue centre, in Winscombe, is in urgent need of land and sponsors to help establish the first dedicated owl sanctuary in the area.

Founder Darren Jenkins currently houses the birds of prey in purpose built aviaries in his garden but he wants to set up a sanctuary to open to the public running educational talks.

Since making a plea last year a few land offers were made but his hopes were dashed after none of them came to fruition and he also did not receive any sponsorship offers.

Mr Jenkins says all he needs is £5,000 to get the project off the ground and in return sponsors would get advertised at around 200 events a year and on his owl trailer.

Now after nursing the birds back to health, he says unless help is found soon, he will have no alternative but to shut shop and give up on his dream.

Mr Jenkins, 41, a conservationist, said: "Obviously I don't want to have to give them away after rescuing them from cruel conditions and making them healthy.

"But as time goes on the costs for vet bills and food is mounting and I am now stretched to the limit, with nearly all these costs coming out of my own pocket.

"All I need is a plot of land and a financial boost with either one business or a few businesses sponsoring us amounts totalling £5,000 and we could get off the ground.

"The Owls are in my garden, which I cannot open to the public as the red tape is out of this world, so instead we need to find a new base on a long term loan.

"I am not looking for a huge field, or miles of land, all I need is a piece of land about the size of a football pitch with road access, where I can build an owl sanctuary."

The owls being cared for include a Tawny, whose tail feathers were cut off by its owner and a Tropical Screech Owl left blind in one eye after it was kept in a rabbit cage with saw dust.

Mr Jenkins added: "I just want to help injured birds of prey and educate the community to avoid other birds suffering the same cruel upbringings.

"I know times are tough but if there is anyone out there who could help, I would be delighted to hear from them, so I can get the first dedicated owl sanctuary within about 60-70 miles of Weston-super-Mare up and running."

Avon Owls has attracted support from Cheddar Garden Centre, Cadbury Garden & Leisure Centre and Sanders GardenWorld, which are allowing him to go onsite and do collections.

But he says the collections need to be boosted urgently by an official sponsor.

For more information visit www.avonowls.co.uk or call Mr Jenkins on 07909160554