An animal sanctuary owner in Bradford is desperately appealing for help to look after his animals after breaking his ankle.

Alan Littlewood, who single-handedly runs the Buckwood Animal Sanctuary, in Buck Mill Lane, Thackley, broke his right ankle five weeks ago. Since then he has struggled on to care for his 21 Afghan dogs, 15 poultry, two horses, three cats and two budgies.

But now Mr Littlewood, who is in his 40s, says he cannot cope on his own any more and fears he may have aggravated the fracture.

"I'm in a lot of pain. I've had it x-rayed and the hospital said I should really have a cast on but I can't do that until I get some help here," he said.

He has strapped his foot up and borrowed some crutches from a friend.

"The trouble is, I think I've made the break worse by overloading it and I should really have it seen to," he added. "The horses need daily exercise, I need help in cleaning up after the dogs and just general help with feeding them all and transport to pick up their food. The horses also need re-shoeing but I can't get them up to the farrier."

Mr Littlewood said he would normally be fundraising at this time of year to ensure he had enough money for the winter.

"I don't like having to ask for donations but it's the animals I'm thinking of. Just £1 will feed a dog for three days and £2 will pay for a bale of hay for the horses," he added.

Mr Littlewood broke his ankle when he was feeding the hens. "I heard a gunshot and jumped but my foot was under a tree root," he said. Students at Park Lane College, Horsforth, have offered to help Mr Littlewood with his dogs and will be visiting him once a week.

Anyone else who can help Mr Littlewood should ring him on 07790 085743. Donations can be sent to the Buckwood Animal Santuary, Buck Mill Lane, Thackley, Bradford.