AN animal sanctuary has launched an online raffle to raise funds to care for their 182 rescued residents - but you only have 24 hours to take part!

Dean Farm Trust, in Mathern near Chepstow, looks after donkeys Mabel and George, rabbits, cows, ponies, pigs, sheep and other creatures and provides them with a home for life.

Sanctuary founder Mary Frankland said: “As a registered charity, we rely on donations, volunteers and the kindness of the local community to care for our rescued residents.

“We have tickets from just £1 each, so this is a great way to support us and be in with a chance to win some incredible prizes that have all been donated to us.

“We have a laptop, a tablet, gadgets, gizmos and tasty treats – all amazing prizes that will help with feed, bedding and veterinary care for our residents.

“We receive no government funding and have no fundraising or marketing departments.

“Our ability to rescue animals and offer a secure and safe life for them is dependent on monies we raise.”

Founded by Mary and Janette Fry, Dean Farm Trust started rescuing animals in 2013 and opened its sanctuary in December 2016.

The sanctuary is run by a small team of staff and volunteers, who are all dedicated to the welfare, comfort and safety of the animals ensuring they have quality of life.

Last year, the sanctuary received help from its charity patron, TV star daredevil and cook Matt Pritchard, when he rowed the Atlantic in aid of the trust.

The Welsh Dirty Sanchez stuntman and Dirty Vegan TV cook was part of a four-man crew that took 7.5 weeks to make the epic 3,200-mile trip.

They were initially halted because of seat problems, before their craft was holed during a tow to Fuerteventura, forcing them to get repairs before restarting.

And towards the end of the ocean row, Matt badly injured his back, forcing him to ship his oars for several days.

In 2020, the VegFestUK Awards announced the farm as the nation’s favourite animal sanctuary as it beat nine other shortlisted candidates.

Mary said at the time: “We are so overwhelmed at this incredible win!

“We never believed that our little sanctuary would be nominated, let alone win this prestigious vegan award.

“There are so many incredible sanctuaries saving animals in the UK and we are so humbled to be given this honour.”

It also launched an appeal that year to keep the water flowing at the farm by installing an underground system to keep its animals hydrated and their homes clean was made last year.

The fundraising raffle is open for entries until Friday, May 27, at 9pm. Visit bit.ly/DFTraffle or deanfarmtrust.org.uk/our-biggest-ever-fundraising-raffle/