BIG-hearted staff at a Black Country brewery have vowed to raise thousands of pounds to help an arson-stricken Sedgley animal sanctuary.

Brockswood Animal Sanctuary was targeted by arsonists during the early hours of Monday, September 16.

No animals were harmed in the blaze, but several thousands pounds worth of damage has been caused to the site, including the destruction of a perimeter fence.

A Go Fund Me fundraising page has been created to raise much-needed funds to rebuild the site- which raised £1,200 in its first 24 hours, smashing its initial £500 target.

Stephanie Jones, who organised the page with Claire Thompson, said she felt she had to act after meeting with the devastated staff at the sanctuary.

Stephanie, who works at Fixed Wheel Brewery in Blackheath, said: "When I heard they had been hit by an arson attack I went down to meet with Neil at the sanctuary to see how we could help, so we set up the page.

"We also decided to brew and sell a cask beer with all funds going to the sanctuary."

The team at the award-winning brewery on Long Lane have brewed a new cask beer especially to raise funds for repair work.

The Brockswood Pale, 4.2% pale ale made with English malt and American hops is set to hit the pumps later this week, with the Barbridge in Stourbridge and the Old Chain Yard in Coseley already signed up to serve the beer.

Reacting to the response to the fundraising page, Stephanie said: "I just can't believe it, it's all down to generous members of the public.

"It's all about Black Country businesses supporting each other, we just wanted to do something to help.

"It's a shame that it take something like this to bring people together."

To make a donation to the sanctuary, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-get-brockswood-back-on-their-feet

Brockswood Animal Sanctuary was forced to close on Monday, but it is hoped the site will be open to public later this week.