AN ISLE of Wight woman has launched a fundraiser for Australian wildlife after it emerged the bush fires raging across the country have killed almost 500 million animals.

Following the launch of the campaign on Saturday, Amber Taylor-Wilcox has so far raised more than £600 for Australian charity Warriors 4 Wildlife.

Amber, who has family in Melbourne, said: "I saw a video online of people in Australia, standing on a beach with their animals and watching everything burn.

"If we can show a little island like the Isle of Wight can help out, then anyone can help out.

"I have family in Australia — my aunt, uncle and cousins live in Melbourne and their local fire service is out there fighting the bush fires.

"As well as wild animals, Warriors 4 Wildlife are also assisting domestic animals as well, so cats dogs and horses who have been caught up in the fires will also benefit from the money.

"Warriors 4 Wildlife has also asked anyone who can crochet or knit to make wildlife pouches to carry animals in. "I'm going to be doing it, and later this week I will be setting up drop off points around the Island so anyone else who wants to make one will have somewhere to send it from.

Donations can be made online at tinyurl.com/yg8rcby2 .