A woman caring for 200 rescue animals is appealing for public help after Storm Desmond took the roofing off part of her shelter.

Mel James, 41, of Mawbray near Allonby, has rabbits and other small animals living in hutches that are too cramped because their regular cages are now exposed to the elements.

She is looking to raise £25,000 to build proper shelters for her animals which include everything from birds, including nine parrots and a seagull, goats, ponies, dogs and cats, rabbits, ferrets, a small squirrel and even a friendly Highland bull that she has raised since his mother rejected him at birth.

She has set up a registered charity The Ani-Mel Haven and hopes to build new, strengthened shelters to provide for the animals she has and those who will need rescued in the future. She has also hired a professional fundraiser to help her find enough money and sponsorship for a project that would match rescue animals with children and adults with mental illness or physical or learning disabilities.

"I have suffered from depression and I know first hand how much bonding with an animal can help.

"We had a little autistic boy used to come to visit the animals. He had not spoken for three years until after one visit when he suddenly announced that he had had a wonderful day. Everyone was in tears."

Her most urgent need, however, is to make sure the animals are sheltered during the rest of this winter.

Her menagerie has taken over much of her father, Bill James', business Bank Mill Nurseries.

"I have been bringing home sick and rescued animals since I was a child so he has got used to it and I know he really approves.

"The animals provide an added attraction to families visiting Bank Mill and donations help towards their upkeep."

Just recently Mel took in a rabbit she was told was a female. She put it in a cage with other females and, 40 baby bunnies later, realised the mistake.

"I found homes for the babies. I don't rehouse the rescue pets, though. Many of them have been abused and I am always too afraid it could happen again."

Her passion and driving need to care for sick and injured animals even led her to bring an abused dog from Romania, with the help of an animal charity.

Precious, now a year old, lives with her, another dog and a cat. The dog has bonded with the three of them but is still terrified of people.

"He is very protective. If he sees someone coming towards me he barks fiercely and then runs and hides."

This modern day Dr Doolittle is determined to provide a better life for her animals and, to do that, she needs money.

To help, visit Melanie James on Just Giving or visit Bank Mill and see the animals.