A FUNDRAISER launched for a farm on the outskirts of Newton Abbot hit by bird flu has raised more than £20,000 in just 24-hours.

Having identified two cases of the virus at Orchard Organic Farm, the Animal and Plant Health Agency culled all 5,000 of its birds on Friday, February 21.

In addition to the animals, around £7,000 worth of eggs and roughly £5,000 worth of chicken food was destroyed.

Speaking with John Acres on BBC Radio Devon, owner Jerry Saunders said it was ‘the most hideous thing’.

Jerry said: ‘It is our business, we are a small farm, we have built it up from nothing, we have mortgages, bills to pay and a family to support.

‘I am still struggling to get my head around it.’

In light of the news, a GoFundMe has been launched to help the farm navigate the space it now finds itself in.

Organised by Ellie Mitchell, the fundraiser has already raised more than £20,000, in spite of having only launched yesterday.

To donate, visit the GoFundMe website and enter ‘Orchard Organic Farm’ into the search-box, or click here.