An animal rescue centre in Crockenhill has been battling to save the life of an injured pony found abandoned in a ditch this weekend.

Second Chance Animal Rescue were called to the scene after some passers-by found the pony, though to be around 18 months old, abandoned in Parkgate Road.

Police were also called to the scene early on Saturday morning (March 20).

The pony, named Tyson by his rescuers, was found severely underweight with deep, ulcerated wounds.

Picture by Second Chance Animal Rescue Crockenhill

Picture by Second Chance Animal Rescue Crockenhill

In an update on Sunday morning, a statement from the rescue team read:

"We spent the night with Tyson, he's been up and down last night, his temperature kept dropping but have managed to warm him up for now.

"We are lifting him up regularly and changing his position so he can go to the toilet and prevent more sores."

In an update later on Sunday evening, Tyson was pictured standing by himself for 20 minutes after he was helped up.

The team said he was "a long way off from full recovery" but was "talking little steps in the right direction".

Picture by Second Chance Animal Rescue Crockenhill

Picture by Second Chance Animal Rescue Crockenhill

While the animal rescue team were able to quickly take care of Tyson, the centre has issued a further public appeal for donations to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its services.

An appeal added: "As you can imagine, like others covid has had a big impact on our income.

"Please donate whatever you can to help give this poorly boy every possible chance to survive."

"Anything from £1 would help."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 6.05am on Saturday, March 20, regarding a report of an injured pony.

"Officers attended the scene where they were unable to identify the owner.

"The horse was examined by a vet before being taken into the care of an equine charity."

You can donate to Second Chance Animal Rescue Crockenhill here.