A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of a donkey sanctuary in Wormley following the death of its founder last month.

The Lockwood Donkey Sanctuary in Hatch Lane was set up by Kathleen Mary Lockwood to care for the animals which had nowhere else to go. However, it is now also home to a number of ponies, sheep, pigs, goats and llamas, as well as other small animals. Most remain at the sanctuary but some have been rehomed in the past. The sanctuary has been popular with families for a number of years and many visit to see the animals and learn how they are cared for.

However, following Mrs Lockwood's death last month, the sanctuary is to be left to the RSPCA which is now considering its future. This includes deciding whether to retain it and, if so, if any changes are needed in the future.

The RSPCA's regional manager, Jonathan Silk, said that no snap decisions will be made but everything possible is being done to care for the animals currently homed at the sanctuary.

"There will be no immediate decisions made about the sanctuary," he said, "but the society is anxious to fulfil Mrs Lockwood's wishes as expressed within her will and ensure the future welfare of the animals and the dedicated team of staff which currently cares for them."

Legal issues have meant that the ownership of the sanctuary has not yet been formally passed to the RSPCA.

However, the charity has already stepped in to provide as much support as it can to the existing small team of staff.

"In the meantime, the animals will continue to be cared for to the highest standard by the eight sanctuary staff with support from the RSPCA," Mr Silk said.

The sanctuary is currently closed to the public on a temporary basis, while the society is reviewing its facilities, and it is hoped that it can reopen again shortly.

Anyone who would like more information about the sanctuary and charity's plans for it, can write to Mr Jonathan Silk, RSPCA regional manager, RSPCA regional headquarters, Blackhat Lane, Baker's Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 9TA.