THE funeral of a Belbroughton woman who worked tirelessly to rescue injured, old and unwanted horses will take place today (Thursday October 3).

Big-hearted Anthea Frisby, who rescued dozens of animals over the years, died on September 23 after a year-long battle against cancer.

The 74-year-old former horse groom, of Mearse Lane, had been taking in needy animals since the late 60s and as her collection of rescue animals grew her passion developed into what has become a popular Belbroughton village cause - Animal Sanctuary and Protection.

Long-time friend and sanctuary finance manager Gaye Hadley said everyone involved with ASAP had been left “devastated” at the loss of Anthea - who would often work two or three jobs at a time to help pay for food, bedding and veterinary fees for her beloved horses, donkies and ponies.

As a poignant tribute to her dedication to the animals - volunteers plan to line up some of her favourite farmyard friends in the village ahead of her funeral which will be held at 11am at Stourbridge Crematorium.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the sanctuary in memory of Anthea can send cheques payable to ASAP Belbroughton to Church Farm, Bradford Lane, Belbroughton, DY9 9TF.