STAFF and volunteers at Secret World Wildlife Rescue braved sub-zero temperatures last month by taking part in a sponsored swim to raise funds.

Seven fundraisers from the East Huntspill charity took a dip in the sea in Lyme Regis, Dorset and raised £1,000 for the animal rescue charity.

The charity took some of their resident birds of prey along to drum up a crowd and get more donations.

All proceeds raised from the challenge will go back into the rescue and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue’s founder, Pauline Kidner, was part of the group that took the plunge.

She said: “The water was absolutely freezing, but it was just a small price to pay for the wonderful animals we rescue.

“The crazier the challenge, the more money we raise.

"Secret World has a dedicated team – when they’re not rescuing poorly wildlife, they’ll be thinking of new ways to raise money.”

The East Huntspill wildlife charity is fully funded by public donations and receives no money from the Government.

Last year Secret World Wildlife Rescue admitted more injured wildlife than ever before in its 26-year history.

For more information about the charity call 01278 783250 or email info@secretworld.org.