AN orphaned red squirrel has become the 1000th animal to be rescued by an animal welfare charity and then released back into the wild this year.

The animal, named Squirrelly, was found by a dog in woodland in Inverness, and brought up by the animal charity's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire.

Squirrelly, who is now two months old, was fed by syringe until he was strong enough to eat solid food.

The charity is bracing itself for a busy autumn and winter.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: "We fully expect to take in and release another 1000 or more animals by the end of December."

Pictures: Scottish SPCA