A LOCAL animal sanctuary has discovered a wheely innovative solution for an injured sheep who’s captured the public’s hearts...

Albert’s Horse Sanctuary, in Cawthorne, is a family business run by John and Mary Hepworth with the help of their daughters Stacey and Mary.

The sanctuary houses a wealth of horses, pigs and sheep, including Dave, a sheep with an unlikely backstory.

The family were devastated when Dave was unexpectedly injured in May.

He was found - immobile - on his back and developed severe sores and abscesses from his condition, sparking an ovine medical mystery.

After numerous blood tests and scans, the Hepworth family still didn’t have concrete answers for Dave’s health scare, with the sheep still facing poor mobility prospects.

From a chance encounter online, Stacey discovered Winston’s Wheels Charity, which normally caters to disabled dogs by providing them with a unique method of support.

The charity donated an extra-large wheelchair for Dave, which is usually meant for the biggest of dogs.

With his new set of wheels, Dave’s condition started rapidly improving.

Stacey said: “I didn’t think it would be possible, because Dave is a lot heavier than even the largest of dogs.

“I had to measure him and I thought the process would be a lot longer.

“We’ve never had a disabled animal that needed a wheelchair in the past.

“He had an accident in the sanctuary and it’s taken us since May to get him where he is now.

“There were a lot of people giving up on him.

“He’s perky, he’s like a big dog.”( When disaster struck again and one of Dave’s wheels broke, the charity promptly sent out a replacement wheelchair within days.

Now, the sanctuary’s mission is to help more disabled animals.

They are set to host a Christmas event where Santa will visit the sanctuary alongside regular animal meet and greet sessions - which will help to contribute towards the animals’ care.

Dave has become a social media star after his owners posted regular updates on their Facebook page, which is named after the sanctuary.

Since his recovery, Dave is once again able to enjoy his favourite things.

Stacey added: “Dave loves his sleep, his food and people - he loves them more than his sheep friends.

“Now he’s in the wheelchair, he’s a lot more confident.

“He took to the wheelchair like a duck to water.

“The other day, he stood up for himself for the first time since May.

“It was a miracle.”