AN animal lover from Wall Heath is on a mission to help free a bear from captivity in Eastern Europe but she needs help from generous traders.

Jane Gwilliam was so touched by the story of Masha, a five-year-old brown bear who has been raised on a dog breeding site in the Ukraine, that she decided to help fund the rescue bid.

London-based charity Four Paws plan to save Masha, who is attacked by hunting dogs on a daily basis, and take her to their bear sanctuary where she will be nursed back to health.

The 49-year-old found out about the project on Facebook and immediately wanted to help.

She said: “The bear has had all its teeth and claws pulled out and is kept in a two-foot cage. They are using it for dog baiting and the charity is desperately trying to get this bear out. They have half of the money and I am trying to raise the other half.”

Mrs Gwilliam, who works in Debenhams at Merry Hill, hopes to raise in the region of £3,000.

She has organised a fundraising event at the Prince Albert pub on High Street, Wall Heath, on Friday July 26.

A live rock band will entertain guests from 8pm and there will be a buffet and a chance to win raffle prizes.

To boost funds, Mrs Gwilliam hopes to hold an auction if she can get some high quality donations from traders.

Anyone able to help can call Mrs Gwilliam on 07581455418 or email barry.gwilliam@gmail.com.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/MashaTheBear

For more information about Masha, visit www.four-paws.org.uk/projects/bears/bears-in-ukraine/masha-desperately-needs-our-help/