AN ANIMAL rescue centre that is to close next month had nearly re-homed all its residents - before 10 ducklings were born.

Now owner Jane Newton, 42, faces a race against time to find people to take the ducks - and seven cats, two geese, two rabbits, a pygmy goat and a sheep - off her hands.

A Muscovy duck disappeared two months ago from Doolittles, on Wrenshot Lane, High Legh.

"We looked everywhere," said Ms Newton.

Then, just after Easter, one of the team of five volunteers heard chirping in a thick bush, 200 yards from the sanctuary gate.

Inside the hedge was the missing duck - and ten new arrivals.

Ms Newton believed the duck had left to find a safe place to rear her young.

Now the duck, which has been at the centre for two years, and her offspring waddle back to the bush to nest for the night.

But Ms Newton wants them where she can see them.

"We have to poke them with a stick to get them out and pen them up so foxes don't get to them," she said.

The ducklings are being fed by hand, and are ready to leave their mother, if anyone wants to adopt them.

Doolittles has been forced to close after eight years because the site is to be auctioned off.

A home has still not been found for 13-year-old sheep and goat companions Baa and Lizzy.

Ms Newton is looking for land to rent or buy which can be used as a site for her new rescue centre.

Anybody able to help should call Ms Newton on 07922149293.