David BaleA Norfolk animal sanctuary can now rescue and rehome more abandoned animals, thanks to the delivery of a new ambulance and a 4x4.David Bale

A Norfolk animal sanctuary can now rescue and rehome more abandoned animals, thanks to the delivery of a new ambulance and a 4x4.

For seven years Pact in Woodrising, near Hingham, which is regularly called out by the public and the emergency services to rescue animals, had used a Citroen Berlingo for the job but last December it was declared beyond repair leaving it without any emergency vehicle.

It meant that for the last six months the sanctuary's administrator George Rockingham was forced to use his own car to make rescues.

But the new ambulance, a Peugeot Expert, has been lease hired with maintenance for three years with the costs donated by Support Adoption for Pets, the charity established and supported by Pets at Home.

Mr Rockingham said: 'The new ambulance is the only animal rescue vehicle on call 24/7 in Norfolk and has been adapted to provide safe transport for any animals in need.

'Our previous vehicle died after travelling 120,000 miles in seven years, and we really could not provide the ser-vice to the unwanted and abused animals of Norfolk without it.'

The sanctuary also asked supporters to help it buy a cheap 4x4 to use to rescue deer and other animals on fields.

Mr Rockingham added: 'We were given about �2,000 towards the 4x4 by supporters and a very generous lady, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave us the rest to buy the Toyota Hilux for about �9,000.'

Yesterday, managers from Pets at Home stores in Norwich and Lowestoft officially handed over the keys of the new ambulance and also volunteered their time to help around the sanctuary.

In 2009 Support Adoption for Pets raised �924,000 to help promote and encourage the re-homing of pets, support animal welfare charities and encourage responsible pet ownership.

There are dedicated adoption centres in over 243 of Pets at Home's 262 stores across the UK. These centres are home to a range of different pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals.

Do you have a story about an animal you have saved or rescued? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.