THE work of the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross has been showcased in a new TV series on BBC Scotland.

The first episode of Born to be Wild aired earlier this month and focused on centre staff mothering a litter of orphaned fox cubs.

Further episodes will be highlighting their work in dealing with other animals like badgers and pine martens.

Sheelagh McAllister, a senior wildlife assistant at the centre, gave the Advertiser an insight into the programme.

She said: "There is lots of stories about the animals from the start right up to their release – and of the progress of each animal.

"Basically, it is an animal hospital that we work in, and because it's not open to the public it's nice for them, and our own families, to see what it is we do."

The National Wildlife Rescue Centre came to Clackmannanshire seven years ago, having initially been based in Dunfermline.

Most of the wild animals rescued by the Scottish SPCA are taken to the centre, where they are cared for by the dedicated wildlife team.

Despite being based in the Wee County, Sheelagh pointed out that the work that goes in the centre is no small task.

She said: "We care for around 10,000 animals a year.

"Last year's numbers were reaching 10,000, and we initially started off caring for about 5,000 animals per year. So we have doubled that number in the time we have been here.

"Everyone puts in a lot of work and it takes a lot of dedication; it's really just nice to see that being shown."

Sheelagh also made clear that the support of Clacks residents goes a long way to supporting the team's work at the centre.

She said: "We actually get a lot of people bringing in food and other things, and doing their own fundraising which always helps."

To find out more about the work done by Sheelagh and others at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, you can watch Born to be Wild on Saturday, at 8pm on BBC Scotland.