THE orphan season has started at Secret World Wildlife Rescue as a skeleton staff of carers continues to care for animals.

Chris Packham, one of the patrons of Secret World, was with staff last week filming for the One Show to show the difficulties that charities are experiencing with no volunteers and reduced staff.

Secret World, which is based in East Huntspill, said it continues to help wildlife as best it can but all fundraising events have been cancelled until July.

Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World, said: “We know that people are experiencing great hardship so fully understand that donated food etc has stopped arriving at our doors.

“However if anyone can donate to the care of our animals we would be very grateful.

“We are doing our best to capture as much of the work being carried out at the centre so that it can go on social media and see the dedication of our staff.”

Earlier this month the first badger cub of the season came to Secret World from Gwent after being found on a footpath wet, cold and crying during the period of continuous rain.