BNP support for Three Owls Bird Sanctuary

BNP leader Nick Griffin

Nick Griffin leader of the controversial British National Party (BNP) has pledged his support for the Three Owls Bird Sanctuary with its battle "against red tape emanating from Rochdale council".

The sanctuary has been hit hard by the recession and only has enough money in its coffers to remain open for a few more months.

Asked if the BNP was the sort of organisation the sanctuary should accept support from, sanctuary manager Nigel Fowler said: "We do not discriminate against anyone who wants to support Three Owls Bird Sanctuary. We have support from other organisations and individuals who will be controversial to some but we are grateful to anyone who wants to help us in our fight for survival."

The cost of running the sanctuary each month is £10,000, and it only has £30,000 left in the bank.

Each year the sanctuary gives help to around 2000 wild birds and gives out hundreds of hours of advice via its emergency helpline.

Mr Fowler previously explained: "If we do not get the funds, we may have to close and that is unthinkable, not only for all the thousands of birds out there needing our help, but also for those currently in our care. Without our help they would nearly all die."