HELP is needed to take the pressure off an East Yorkshire animal sanctuary that took in an incredible 32 chinchillas in just two days.

Market Weighton-based Chinchilla Rescue now has 50 resident rodents and needs to make some space.

Victoria Fletcher, who runs the sanctuary, said that 32 chinchillas coming in like that was a record.

Twenty came from a breeder and competitor who has give up the hobby, two from someone who has changed jobs and no longer has time for them, while ten were casualties of a marital break-up.

She said: "Usually we don't have any problems finding new homes, but because of the numbers we need to do find new homes for them as quickly as we can. They are already expanding on us, because one has given birth and another is due to deliver any day now."

Anyone who would like to give a chinchilla a home should phone the sanctuary on 01430 876835.

All potential adopters are vetted by sanctuary staff. More information is available at the sanctuary's website, chinchillarescue.com

Updated: 09:27 Saturday, September 07, 2002