AN ANIMAL sanctuary held its final overnight camping event of the year as it continues to raise funds to buy the land.

The Farm Animal Sanctuary, which is based on Manor Orchard Farm in Middle Littleton, near Evesham, held a sheepover event.

The land it uses, Manor Orchard Farm, has been up for sale since 2021 and The Farm Animal Sanctuary has first option to purchase the 64-acre site before it goes on the open market in December this year.

The sanctuary's farm manager, Louise Stuart, said: "The owner of the land has given us until December to get the money together, before the farm becomes openly for sale.

"We have raised about £250,000 through our Just Giving page so far, so fingers crossed we can keep raising money.

"That why we have done more events this year, and will keep doing so, like the sheepover for example.

"With the money we have raised so far, we hope that it will be enough to keep the sanctuary at the farm next year, and we'll keep fundraising toward the total."

The weekend's sheepover event was the final held this year and enabled people to bring their tents and campervans to the site and spend the night among 25 of the sanctuary's rescued sheep.

Mrs Stuart said: "It was good - it was a bit quieter than previous ones because the weather has turned a bit colder, but we still had around 30 people camping for the night.

"We had a good mixture of people, plenty of families and some couples too, it was very relaxed.

"Our visitors absolutely love it - and many of them can't believe how friendly the sheep are."

Street food company The Boxx n Bar served vegan food while Worcester's Golden Glaze Doughnuts was on-site too.

Mrs Stuart added: "We haven't confirmed dates for next year yet, but we are planning on doing another three sheepover's."

The Farm Animal Sanctuary's next event is an open weekend on September 14 and 15 which features food, shopping stalls and kids activities.