A SANCTUARY has been set up in Halesowen almost two years after a wildlife campaigner started caring for sick, injured and orphaned foxes.

Paul Presley has nursed around 20 foxes back to health and reared about 10 cubs at his home.

Initial funding from the Northamptonshire-based National Fox Welfare Society has run out, but fellow fox fan Mandy Newton has stepped in to help with fundraising.

To formalise his work, they have formed the Black Country Fox Sanctuary, and Miss Newton is distributing collecting tins to businesses around the area and planning a series of raffles.

Mr Presley is currently caring for a pair of foxes, called Rupert and Ruby, who cannot be released back into the wild because they have toxoplasmosis.

Although a common disease treatable with antibiotics, it is not curable and will stay with them for life.

Mr Presley said it has caused some brain damage, causing them to have no sense of fear.

It costs £74 a month to feed the pair, plus anti-parasite and worm treatments and vet bills.

Most of the foxes Mr Presley has cared for have had sarcoptic mange, which is treatable if caught early enough.

He has also helped foxes with broken bones or de-gloved limbs, where their fur and skin has been ripped off after being trapped in fences and suchlike.

Mr Presley said: “Ever since I was a small child, I have always had a real passion for wildlife. My grandparents had a small holding, and I learnt everything about how to care for animals from them.

“Lots of people have misconceptions about foxes, but under the right circumstances and with experienced care, if they can’t be returned to the wild, then they can be looked after by people who understand how to keep them safely.”

He recently had the two foxes microchipped to protect them in case they ever went missing at White Cross Vets, of Tividale, causing something of a double take for vet Bonnie Leibowitch, who is more used to performing the procedure on dogs.

She said: "It has been an incredibly moving experience to see how Paul cares for these two adorable friendly foxes.

“They were both incredibly tame and friendly and were not at all phased by their trip to the vet.”

Anyone interested in supporting the sanctuary with donations should contact Miss Newton on 07790 584266.