A clean-up effort is well underway at animal sanctuary near Farnham following an incredible response to a devastating blaze which killed three birds.

Anita Pye says she’s been brought to tears by an “incredible” outpouring of physical and emotional support after the main barn at Orchard Farm Animal Sanctuary went up in flames last Thursday evening.

The owner of the sanctuary in Bucks Horn Oak has been inundated with donations and offers of support with more than £16,000 now raised through an emergency appeal.

And there’s going to be a big push this weekend – with a small of army of volunteers and well-wishers ready to join a clean-up at the site off Dockenfield Road.

Anita has revealed in an update to followers that the cause of the blaze remains a mystery with firefighters from Bordon, Rushmoor and Surrey quickly at the scene.

Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to an adjacent barn while rescuing a menagerie of “terrified” and confused animals from the burning barn.

She asked her mum to raise the alarm in a panicked phone call after noticing smoke around 4.30pm, with the fire quickly taking hold of the building.

She said: “I opened the shed door and thick smoke was already filling the space but all the animals and birds didn't attempt to exit until I got in amongst them shouting and getting them moving.”

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Three birds were lost in the blaze with the cause unconfirmed. (Louisa Bird)

Anita managed to rescue some chickens after covering her mouth and nose with a wet tea towel but was left soon left helpless as the flames took hold of the roof.

There was “no hope” for the main shed by the time the first firefighters arrived, with crews battling the flames while trying to prevent some animals from returning.

Anita added: “The fire crews and friends were amazing, helping me trap the birds and move them to a secure area.

“I try to do as much as I can myself at the sanctuary but looking at the devastation the next morning, I felt totally at a loss as to where I should start.

“Then one person after another arrived sharing hugs and tears and helping me to get a plan of action together.”

The sanctuary represents a “second chance at life” and is billed as a “loving forever home” for desperate animals often intended for slaughter.

And the love shown to its animals has been reflected by supporters, with a major clean-up taking place this weekend and offers of help welcome.

Efforts will begin at 10am on Saturday and Sunday but would-be volunteers enter at their own risk and must wear sturdy footwear, work gloves, thick clothing and potential eye protection as the site is a “nightmare of heavy mud, broken glass, metal and nails.”

Anyone who would like to help should get in touch via the farm’s Facebook page while staff at nearby Groomes Farm in Frith End have offered to move debris with their machinery.

“I promise to try and not grizzle too much but your support keeps bringing the tears out in me,” said Anita.

“Your support it really does mean the world to me, the animals and the volunteers.”