THE fight is far from over but the team at Wild Wings are flying high after their luck finally started to change.

The rescue and rehabilitation centre has managed to hunt down a new base after a judge ruled that Wild Wings needed to vacate their current site at Bents Garden Centre.

Work is now under way to build a small centre at White Moss Garden Centre in Widnes, which is expected to be completed by early August at the latest, so that the team can continue to offer a rescue and rehabilitation service along with educational sessions.

Once Wild Wings, who have recently been awarded the certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor for the second year running, have met the conditions of the zoo licence, the team will be open the doors of the new centre to the public.

Director Carole Rose said: "We are all totally drained at this present moment.

"It has been a very hard and emotional time for all of us including our volunteers, but we are very optimistic about our future at White Moss with the support of the team there.

"We just want to be able to build the new housing for the birds we still have in our care and get the rest of our birds back with us."

Some of the birds are currently been cared for on a temporary basis by experienced falconers from across the country.

"We know our birds are safe in good hands. We couldn't have managed without the help of these people," said Carole.

But now their efforts are focused on raising enough funds to keep going and this is a challenge that the team know is not going to be easy.

She said: "We are obviously very worried about the centre's finances which have been hit very hard by the situation.

"We need people with DIY or building, plumbing and electrical skills to help us get the housing built as quickly as possible.

"The centre has had very little income since having to close at Bents some time ago and we still have vets and food bills to cover.

"We also still need to raise £15,000 to build a new education room, office, reception and shop."

Individuals or companies can sponsor a bird from £25 or an aviary for £500.

Donations are also welcome to help keep the not-for-profit organisation open.

For more information visit wild-wings.net/birds_of_prey