A WILDLIFE rescue has received compensation from Northern Powergrid, after they ran into financial difficulties following paying for costs incurred through Storm Arwen.

Pennines Wildlife Rescue are struggling to make ends meet, following costs incurred through Storm Arwen.

After setting up the rescue eight years ago, the rescue has saved hundreds of wild and domestic animals from injury or slaughter.

Anthony Johnson, 64, and his wife Ute, 54, live in the remote countryside of Carrshields, in a rented farmhouse with 140 acres of land which Anthony maintains for the owners.

Both Anthony and Ute are considered vulnerable. Anthony, an army veteran, suffers from PTSD associated with his time in the army. "My PTSD is really suffering at the moment with all of this," he said.

The rescue currently has around 200 animals which Anthony and Ute care for single handedly, and a lot of baby animals which need warmth to survive.

Before Storm Arwen hit, they were caring for six hoglets, seven piglets, 14 pigs, wild ducks, 49 rescued pigeons, peacocks, turkeys and birds of prey in separate aviaries.

Storm Arwen caused extensive power cuts and the farmhouse had no heating for two weeks. They used heat lamps and blankets to try to keep the piglets and hoglets warm enough, but sadly three hoglets died due to lack of warmth.

They were forced to drive seven miles to get to Allendale for phone signal and warm food, but were unable to contact Northern Powergrid.

They attempted to claim £2,400 in compensation for various costs including fuel, gas bottles, and a new generator. Northern Powergrid offered them £491, less than a quarter of what they'd claimed, at which point Anthony emailed Northern Powergrid CEO, Phil Jones.

He then received a compensation offer for £1,200, which Anthony and Ute have accepted and the claim is now settled.

"It's better than nothing," Anthony and Ute both said. "We've been waiting three months to receive compensation which is ridiculous," Anthony said.

"We're trying our hardest to keep open," Anthony said. "I would be devastated if we had to close. All of our animals would need rehomed."

"We're keeping the generator as we get really bad weather up here and we're expecting more bad weather to come," Ute said.

Generous neighbours have donated animal food, logs for fuel, and money through an online donations page.

The rescue is funded through Anthony's army pension, Ute's pension, and the donations of supporters.

To donate, go to https://peoplesfundraising.com/donation.