The Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, now based at Rookery Close, Kibworth Beauchamp, and at various volunteers’ homes in the county, has been chosen as this year’s charity by council chairman Pete Callis.

Hospital founder Angela Downham wants to build a £100,000 purpose-built centre at a new site in Fleckney Road, Kibworth, which she has bought and for which she has planning permission for.

The hospital - founded 24 years ago - cares for and heals sick or injured wildlife with the sole intention of returning them to the wild.

Cllr Callis (Lib Dem) chose the charity when he was chairman in 2000 which helped the group raise the £30,000 needed to purchase land at Fleckney Road. A further £30,000 has been raised to build a new access road.

It is hoped the new hospital would have environmentally-friendly systems such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels and a wind turbine.

Mrs Downham said:”It’s a big boost to be chosen as the council chairman’s nominated charity. At the moment we use lots of homes around the county and a new centre would bring everything under one roof.”

Cllr Callis, who has a keen interest in the countryside and wildlife, especially birds for which he has aviaries at home, added: “I choose this charity because it does good work and has a relatively low-profile.”

l Any district community groups which would like to help the charity or who would like a visit from the chairman in his year of office can phone Cllr Callis on 01858 467330.