International singing star Leona Lewis was in Brentwood to lend her support to a campaign to raise funds for winter shelters at an animal sanctuary.

Leona, the 2006 X Factor winner, visited Hopefield to give her backing for its campaign.

The Sawyers Hall Lane sanctuary is trying to raise �10,000 for new stable blocks to shelter its horses in the coldest months of the year.

Staff fear that the leaky roofs on the buildings could collapse if work isn’t carried out soon.

The two blocks which need to be rebuilt keep eight horses and four Shetland ponies.

Animal-loving vegetarian Leona is a patron of the sanctuary, as well as a supporter of the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

A spokesman for the singer also revealed: “It’s her ultimate goal, her dream, to build an education centre there. It’s her vision to bring inner-city children out to learn about animals.

“Before then she is encouraging people to donate their money and time to the sanctuary.”

Leona appeared happy about the visit, Tweeting: “Spending today with the horses :)”

In the past she has praised the sanctuary as “doing amazing work” and urged her fans to visit the sanctuary’s website.

Deputy manager Lianne Angliss said: “The fundraising is going well at the moment, it’s starting to pick up, we’ve had quite a few people dropping in during the six-week school holiday.”

Donations can be made in person at the sanctuary, which is open from 1pm-4pm seven days a week, or for more information call 01277 201 110, email lianne@hopefield.org.uk or visit www.hopefield.org.uk.