Animal crackers!

MODERN day Dr Doolittles Michelle and Ian Gilbody turned their house into a rescue centre when they spotted an appeal for a home for Mr Eggs, a pot bellied pig!

After saving Mr Eggs and his best friend Sean the sheep from the RSPCA, they took Billy No Mates, a goat abandoned at Walton Gardens, Basil, a retired Donkey Derby winner, and two hand-reared sheep who were destined for the meat man as their owner couldn't afford to keep them.

Over the years their family grew bigger and bigger and now their bungalow on Stockport Road, Thelwall, is home to 28 animals including four goats, a donkey, ducks, chickens and geese.

People flock to see the animals and self-employed builder Ian, 39, and Michelle, 34, want to say a big thank-you to everyone who has made donations after becoming concerned about them during the foot-and mouth-crisis.

"We are both animal mad," said Michelle, who works in export sales.

"These are our family! They don't answer you back and we love them to death, we wouldn't be without them."

Walkers often call in to see the animals, but have had to keep their distance recently because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Instead, the couple have been sent cards and donations from people who are worried about how they are feeling, and their neighbours have been so concerned they have even helped out with feeding the animals.

One couple, aged in their 80s, go to the market every Tuesday to get food for the animals, and another has dropped off a bag of apples at the gate!

Michelle said: "We just want to say thank-you to everyone who has helped us. People have been so thoughtful and many of the donations have been anonymous. We are most grateful to these people who obviously love animals just like us."