An animal sanctuary is working round the clock to save a helpless lamb found alone and barely responsive by the roadside in Kent.

Named 'Jeremy' or 'Jezzy' for short, the lone lamb was discovered lost and freezing cold by a couple who scooped him up and took him to FRIEND Animal Sanctuary in East Peckham.

The poorly lamb was too weak to even lift his head and a poor sucking reflex meant milk had to be syringed into his mouth little by little throughout the night.

Sanctuary owners Mark Eaton and Mandy Wilkinson spent Sunday night gradually warming and feeding him to stabilise his temperature and build his strength.

The couple never left his side.

A full assessment at Putlands Veterinary Clinic in Paddock Wood found Jezzy has an infected umbilical cord stump which has spread to his lungs.

He now requires daily antibiotic injections and ongoing treatment which the Bush Road charity is now fundraising for.

Owner Mark said: "He was so weak he could barely stand, he was undernourished and has to put on weight fast to stand a chance of survival.

"He's not out of the woods yet but he's stabilised and that's a miracle in itself considering where he was a few hours earlier."

"We wished for better news but to be honest it's all up to him now.

"We are giving him everything we have but he has to fight.

"We're fundraising for his ongoing care and vet bills."

Mandy says he made it through because he was rescued just in time by caring passers-by who brought him to safety at the sanctuary which cares for myriad animals from pigs, cows, sheep and ducks.

Mandy added: "Easter is a time where millions of lambs are slaughtered for a meal. Wouldn't it be something to help us save one instead?"

The shelter has rescued upwards of 3,000 animals since it was established 28 years ago by the late founder Marion Eaton, and its mission is to offer a no-kill, free-roaming, safe haven for unwanted, neglected and abused animals.

The 10-acre site holds regular open days and events, educating about animals, veganism and ecological sustainability.

To donate for Jezzy's care, click here.