Axolotl & Reptile Rescue And Advice up for best UK rescue

Axolotl & Reptile Rescue and Advice UK, in Vine Mews, could be named one of the best animal rescues in the UK after being shortlisted as part of the National Animal Star Awards. 

The charity was set up by the husband and wife duo, Gareth and Cara Costellow, six years ago has helped over 7000 animals since it opened.

Mr Costellow said the nomination is crazy and he is at a loss for words.

"One reason I am overwhelmed with the nomination is that exotic rescues like ours go under the radar a bit, and it is usually the dog or cat rescues that are in the spotlight," he said.

"This could be the first time an exotic rescue has been ever nominated.

The store acts as a rescue centre for animals seeking adoption. (Image: Axolotl & Reptile Rescue And Advice UK)"I think we stick to our morals.

"We are all volunteers - no one takes a wage - and the animals come first. I think people really appreciate that I see the rescue as not just to help the animal but the people."

Mr Costellow had set up the charity to give him and his wife something to do after he had to leave his job to look after Mrs Costellow when she became ill.

He said when he set up the charity, they both joked about their Facebook page only getting ten followers.

But, seven years later it has amassed 10k likes and 12k followers on Facebook and Mr Costellow travels across the UK to collect animals in need.

The charity aims to help as many exotic animals as we possibly can and find them forever home.

"We are family-run. My wife and I founded it, but we could not have done this without our followers on Facebook and the people who go out and support us.

"We get no funding from the Government or the council, and without our supporters, we could not do what we do."

Mr and Mrs Costellow will know if their charity has won the best UK animal rescue in May.