THE butterfly house in Victoria Park, Widnes, opens on Sunday, May 7.

But organisers desperately need more volunteers and donations to keep the popular tourist attraction running.

Louise Nulty, chairman of Victoria Park Environment Team, said: “We need at least 24 volunteers to keep the butterfly house open for three days from May to September.

“It is a relaxing, fulfilling experience to be a volunteer. Full training will be given and volunteers won’t be on their own.”

Volunteers are asked to do one session a fortnight in the butterfly house and help out at a colouring room for children.

“This is the first season we haven’t had funding to support the butterfly house,” said Louise.

“We are relying totally on the donations of the visitors to raise enough funds to keep buying the butterfly chrysalis.

“We hope we will be able to open for the full season. We encourage the breeding of the butterflies by creating a safe environment over winter but the chrysalis could still cost £1,500.”

This is the fourth season of the butterfly house.

Crafts and live music will entertain visitors at 1.30pm on Sunday May 7.

A volunteer recruitment day is being held on Sunday, April 30 at 10.30am.

Volunteers must be 16 and over or if under 16, must be accompanied by an adult who also attends as a volunteer.

For more details call Louise on 07930 388844 or email vpetvols@gmail.com.