A SOUTH Cumbrian bird sanctuary is looking towards generous members of the public to help with donations to feed the growing number of gulls in their care.

"We are once again over-flowing with these gorgeous gulls" said Bardsea Bird Sanctuary.

The bird centre, which finds itself situated near the Coast Road, is the only wild bird sanctuary between Wigton and Lancaster, meaning that they are a vital service for the welfare of birds in South Cumbria.

The busy sanctuary is ran by mother and daughter team Elisabeth Ashleigh and Tamsin Ashleigh, who have been taking in injured birds with the help of their selfless volunteer 'Tweet Fleet' after moving to the area seven years ago.

Many of the resident birds are orphaned, or have sadly been injured by cars, bullets, people and predators - and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have referred birds to them for care.

The recent heavy winds and rain have proven problematic for birds in the area. They said: "A housemartin came in very weak after it was found with its dead sibling due to the nest being destroyed by the wind and rain."

A tiny nestling that was only slightly bigger than a 20p coin was also found exposed to the elements. The delicate bird will need to be fed by volunteers using a 'teeny' syringe.

The team are looking for donations from the public of wet cat food to keep the bigger, growing gulls full.

"Gull chicks mostly feed themselves and will eat dog and cat food, and also soaked dog and cat biscuits with wet food mixed in." said volunteer Janine.

The sanctuary owners rely on the generous donations of the public, as well as money from their own pockets, to be able to provide high quality care for the birds, as they are not yet a registered charity.

To donate food to the sanctuary, please send a message to 'Bardsea Bird Sanctuary' on Facebook.

To purchase other items for the sanctuary, such as feeding syringes and various treatments, visit the Facebook page and click the Amazon wishlist.

If you come across a bird in distress, it is advised that you try to contain it in a warm, quiet, dark, lined box with adequate air flow before seeking help.

If the bird is in need of veterinary care, you can request that the bird is cared for by Bardsea Bird Sanctuary after receiving the treatment. If the bird is not sick enough to require a vet, contact Bardsea Bird Sanctuary on Facebook with your location and contact details.