A POPULAR animal park visitor attraction has met with a huge response to an appeal for help as it battles to survive the lockdown.

Monk Park Farm, at Bagby, near Thirsk - which gives visitors a chance to meet a variety of friendly animals - says it has had to close because of the coronavirus.

It said this had resulted in no income but the farm still had more than 310 animals to feed and look after. The family-owned farm launched a fundraising appeal for £1,000 three weeks ago, which had raised £16,424 by lunchtime today after 755 donations.

One donor said they had visited the farm with their son, grandson, husband and brother, and had had a 'wonderful day, everyone was so friendly and the animals looked so well looked after.'

Another said he was 'giving a fiver for each of my five grandchildren who have really enjoyed their visits over the years.'

Spokesperson Sarah Hebdon said the attraction's reserve pot was at its lowest, and it was asking for any donations, however small, so it could re-open after the pandemic.

"We have had no Government help, as we don’t fit their criteria,"she added.

Donations can be made by going to https://www.gofundme.com/f/5xcynr-help-us-save-our-animals